The platforms include Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn.
Nepal Gen Z Protest Against Ban on Social Media Platforms in Nepal Latest News: Nepal's government said Thursday (September 4) that it is blocking most social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing companies’ failure to comply with regulations that required them to register with the government.
Gen Z on Monday in Nepal took to the streets in massive protests against corruption in the KP Sharma Oli government for its September 4 decision to restrict social media platforms.
According to an India Today report, the security forces opened fire at the demonstrators, leaving one dead and over 800 others injured.
The protest, which has been dubbed the 'Gen Z Revolution,' breached restricted zones and broke through police barricades.
As the clashes escalated, police opened fire at multiple locations, forcing the authorities to impose a curfew in the capital.
The curfew has been imposed covering the Parliament area and other key locations in the capital.
The Nepal government on September 4 blocked 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube.
The government claims the ban is a matter of regulatory compliance; however, protesters say that the ban is a direct act of censorship aimed at suppressing critical voices and organized dissent.
According to the India Today report, despite phone and internet blackouts imposed by the Nepal authorities, Gen Z activists used platforms such as TikTok and Reddit to mobilize.
The march reportedly started from Maitighar Mandala and advanced towards the Parliament building.
Protesters broke through the barricades. Security personnel used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
Many joined the protest in school and college uniforms.
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has defended the decision, stating that “any attempt to undermine the nation can never be tolerated.”
Oli said in a statement that his party would “always stand against anomalies and arrogance, and never accept any act that weakens the nation.”
“The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty?” he said.
According to the report, social media companies were given seven days from August 28 to register, and the deadline expired on Wednesday night with no major platforms submitting applications.
The platforms include Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn.
(For more news apart from “Nepal-Gen Z Marches to Streets Against Ban on 26 Social Media Platforms Incl FB, Instagram, WhatsApp,” stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.)
