Social Media Ban Ignites Youth Revolt, Toppling Nepal’s PM in Digital Age Uprising

Protests erupted across Nepal following the government’s brief ban on social media platforms, sparking nationwide unrest that culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The crisis began when authorities blocked access to 26 major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, on Friday, citing non-compliance with local regulations. The decision, intended to enforce stricter oversight of online activity, instead ignited widespread anger among the country’s youth population, who relied heavily on the platforms for communication, news, and business. The ban was lifted by Monday, but not before tensions had escalated into violence.

The protests quickly turned deadly. On Monday, clashes between demonstrators and police in Kathmandu resulted in 19 fatalities, according to police reports. Among the casualties were protesters who were reportedly shot with live ammunition, prompting the United Nations to call for a transparent and swift investigation. The violence continued into Tuesday, with demonstrators defying curfews and attacking government buildings, political party offices, and the residences of prominent officials, including the Prime Minister’s home. Parliament was also set on fire, adding to the scale of destruction.

The resignation of Oli on Tuesday marked a pivotal moment in the crisis. In a brief resignation letter, Oli stated that he hoped his move would help reach a political solution and resolve the ongoing problems in the country. His decision followed mounting pressure after his residence was attacked by protesters. Oli had also announced plans to lead all-party talks to address the unrest, but his departure from office came before these efforts could be formalized. Other officials, including the interior minister, had already resigned earlier in the week, further signaling the gravity of the political crisis.

The protests, while initially sparked by the social media ban, quickly expanded to broader issues of governance, corruption, and youth unemployment. Nearly 43% of Nepal’s population is aged between 15 and 40, yet unemployment remains around 10%, according to World Bank data. Young protesters, many in their 20s, expressed frustration with what they see as a disconnect between political elites and the general population. Social media had become a crucial tool for this generation to voice their grievances, making the ban a symbolic attack on their freedom of expression.

TikTok, one of the few platforms that remained accessible, became a key platform for spreading protest-related content. Videos highlighting the disparities between the lavish lifestyles of political families and the struggles of ordinary citizens went viral, amplifying public outrage. The incident has also raised concerns about the government’s approach to digital regulation, with critics arguing that past bans on platforms like Telegram and TikTok have often been politically motivated rather than grounded in public interest.

The fallout from the protests continues to unfold, with political leaders and civil society demanding accountability for the deaths and injuries that occurred. As Nepal grapples with the implications of this crisis, the events of late September 2025 have underscored the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping public discourse and challenging traditional power structures.