On September 5, 2025, Nepal issued a ban on 26 social media platforms. The ramifications have already (and extremely obviously) outweighed any reasoning, with unprecedented ‘Gen Z’ protests turning into destruction, violence, and death. The reasons behind the Nepal youth’s anger are layered; however, the government has fallen, with the shocking resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as a symbol of the dire state of the situation.
The match that lit the flame: Nepal’s social media ban
Nepal attempted to ban a total of 26 different social media platforms, including giants such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and Reddit. Most shockingly, the government sought to ban WhatsApp, a social media platform widely used to communicate with loved ones and work colleagues; additionally, it is one of the first applications used in emergencies. The government also unreasonably included LinkedIn on the list, a platform solely used to enhance one’s career, which can be seen as a contradictory move, considering the world’s common and shared goal of increasing employment and decreasing poverty.
With markets around the world attempting to limit social media, such as Australia’s teen-focused regulations, which have been put in place to protect the mental health of youth under 16 years old. The concept of a ban was not unfamiliar, but it is evident that Nepal’s ‘Gen Z’ youth, mostly made up of school- and university-aged students under the age of 25 years, took the ban as an opportunity to loudly address the government’s failures, becoming a sea of anti-ban and, mainly, anti-corruption sharks.
The staggering mobilization and activism of ‘Gen Z’ youth
Nepal’s youth jumped into action without a passing thought and with no regard for any personal consequences, the result being a shocking amount of violence and death. Over the last week, Nepal has been set ablaze by ‘Gen Z’ protesters who are willingly risking their lives for the chance of a better future for Nepal. The reasons behind the actions of ‘Gen Z’ youth are clear and easily understandable; however, destruction and death cannot be justified in any circumstance. With so much at risk, travel was immediately restricted, followed by the suspension of flights and buses in and out of Nepal itself.
As of 8:27 PM on September 10, 2025, 30 people had apparently died, and over 1000 people were injured. Of the 30 dead, 3 were policemen who were reportedly dragged from a burning police station and bludgeoned to death. The United Nations has already demanded an inquiry into the deaths, the use of excessive force, and suspected human rights violations. Around 12 parliamentary buildings were set on fire, and demonstrators went as far as burning down the private homes of politicians. Protests continue despite the military-enforced curfew and their use of aggressive tactics such as tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons.
The fall of Nepal’s government and the consequential ramifications
Amid the escalating protests, the prime minister resigned and attempted to flee the country, claiming public pressure forced his hand. The former chief justice of Nepal has been selected by the ‘Gen Z’ group as a frontrunner for leadership, stating her as “untainted by party politics”. This is a clear indication that ‘Gen Z’ has been underestimated, with a show of frightening control over the next steps for the market. Now that the group has mobilized, Nepal’s government would be risking further death and destruction unless clear action is taken to rectify the nation’s corrupt system and prioritize its civilians.
No longer sitting on the sidelines, Nepal’s youth are on their way to becoming one of the most powerful generations the country has yet to witness in its history. Other markets have proposed social media bans, but have not been completely successful. The future of the nation now waits on the response of Nepal’s government officials. One fact is absolute: ‘Gen Z’ is weaponized and ready to fight for the future of their country.