Nepal’s Gen Z revolts: social media ban sparks nationwide youth protests

KATHMANDU: The government’s sweeping decision to shut down 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), has ignited a storm of anger across Nepal. The backlash is being led not by established political parties but by Generation Z (Gen Z) — a digitally native youth cohort that is mobilizing both online and on the streets.

Declaring their movement as “The Final Revolution – We Are Punching Up,” young protesters have announced nationwide demonstrations on September 8, beginning at Maitighar Mandala and the Federal Parliament in Kathmandu. What began as frustration over social media restrictions has now escalated into a broader rebellion against corruption, nepotism, and misgovernance.

Digital Generation Takes to the Streets

For Gen Z, social media is more than a pastime; it is central to their education, livelihood, and freedom of expression. With the platforms abruptly banned on September 4, they accuse the government of silencing dissent.

“Social media was our space to study, earn, and speak up. Now the government wants to crush our voice,” said Miraj Dhungana, a young activist from Kathmandu. According to him, Nepal’s party-based political system has failed to deliver governance, leaving youth with no option but to revolt.

Gen Z activists have called for simultaneous protests in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Dharan, and other major cities. Although the leadership structure is unclear, their objective is explicit: resist what they call the “arbitrary misuse of power” by the political elite.

Memories of Digital, Not Monarchy

Unlike their elders, this generation has no memory of King Gyanendra’s direct rule, the 2006 democracy movement, or the state’s shutdown of telephone and media during that era. For them, freedom has always been digital — embodied by Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The sudden loss of these platforms feels like a return to authoritarianism.

“They talk of democracy, but take away our ability to speak, earn, and connect. We are not slaves to political parties,” Dhungana added.

Anger at Political Leadership

Frustration is directed squarely at Nepal’s ruling class. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli (CPN-UML), former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress), and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ are seen as symbols of entrenched corruption and failed governance.

Nepal’s youth say they have endured mismanagement in public services, rising unemployment, and systemic corruption under these leaders. Social media had become their only outlet to challenge misrule. Now, the ban is seen as an attempt to gag them.

Two years ago, Dahal imposed a ban on TikTok, and Deuba supported the move. Today, both leaders are accused of backing Oli’s clampdown on digital platforms.

“Wake Up Gen Z” Movement Spreads

From grassroots groups like MRR in Inaruwa and Dharan to thousands of TikTok users, support for protests is spreading rapidly. The movement is non-partisan, with no party flags or organizational symbols. Its slogans — “Wake Up Youth, Wake Up Gen Z” and “Enough is Enough” — resonate widely.

The campaign gained traction on Facebook and Instagram stories before the platforms went dark. One viral post read: “Leaders talk about freedom of expression, but they shut down our voices. This is shameful. We will not remain silent.”

Prominent writer Sarita Tiwari expressed solidarity, writing: “Tomorrow’s youth protest must challenge corruption networks across politics, bureaucracy, and society. Let this movement grow stronger.”

Social Media Ban Hits Businesses

The ban has devastated content creators, digital marketers, and startups who depend on online platforms for revenue. Nepal’s government, despite branding the country as a “Digital Nepal,” has failed to provide alternatives for thousands of small businesses and freelancers who rely on social media for survival.

Startup entrepreneurs, including ride-sharing company Pathao’s CEO Asimman Singh, openly declared support for the protest. “Digital presence matters, but physical presence is also necessary. I will join Monday’s protest, and I urge others to come,” he announced on TikTok.

“Nepobaby” Campaign Targets Elites

The revolt has also taken aim at entrenched nepotism. Young protesters have turned their focus on Jay Veer Deuba (son of Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba) and his wife Shivana, whose lavish lifestyle has become a symbol of political privilege. Photos and videos of the couple are now circulating under the hashtag #Nepobaby, a campaign denouncing the unchecked power and wealth of political families.

The campaign highlights how Nepal’s ruling class has prioritized family benefits over public welfare, fueling inequality. “Leaders only serve their children and relatives. The rest of us are ignored. Enough is enough,” Dhungana said.

Political and Public Reactions

Former Minister Gokul Baskota (CPN-UML) condemned the ban, comparing Nepal’s trajectory to North Korea. He said, “While leadership is shifting to millennials worldwide, Nepal is still dominated by baby boomers. Gen Z cannot be suppressed.”

Journalist Sudhir Sharma also warned the government: “The storm of anger over nepotism and corruption will sweep away many by the 2027 elections — if not sooner. The ruling elite underestimates Gen Z at their own risk.”

Sociologist Dipesh Ghimire called the movement historic, noting its creative strategy of comparing the lavish lifestyles of leaders’ children with the struggles of ordinary citizens. “Our generation fought for nationalization and property investigations. Gen Z has reframed the debate around inequality through the language of digital life. It is powerful and innovative,” he said.

Authorities Brace for Protests

Kathmandu District Police have already prepared a security plan amid fears of large-scale demonstrations. “Looking at the momentum on TikTok, we expect a significant turnout. Security arrangements are being made accordingly,” said Kathmandu Police SP Apil Bohara.

Beyond Social Media: A Generation’s Political Awakening

Observers say the protests represent more than just resistance to a social media ban. They reflect the widening gap between Nepal’s aging political elite and its digitally empowered youth. For Gen Z, this is a fight for economic survival, social equality, and democratic freedoms.

“Virtual anger always spills onto the streets sooner or later,” Sharma wrote. “The government cannot ignore the aspirations of this generation.”

Analysts caution that suppressing protests could further damage Nepal’s global reputation and discourage foreign investment. Investors already view Nepal’s abrupt digital policies as a risk to stability and growth.

The Rising “Nepobaby” Movement

What began as a protest against social media restrictions is evolving into a generational movement targeting systemic corruption and nepotism. The “Nepobaby” campaign, fueled by TikTok and grassroots activism, has become a rallying cry for accountability. By exposing the privilege of political dynasties, Gen Z is reframing Nepal’s political debate.

As the September 8 protests loom, one thing is clear: Nepal’s ruling establishment faces not just anger over a digital shutdown but a rising generational revolt that could reshape the country’s political and economic future.