Nepal Protests Against Social Media Ban: 13 Dead in Clashes

Sat Sep 13 2025 13:14:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

At least 13 individuals were killed in Nepal amid protests against a government-enforced social media ban affecting major platforms. Thousands of demonstrators, primarily from Generation Z, clashed with police outside parliament.

Protests erupted in Nepal against a government-sought ban on several major social media platforms, resulting in tragic clashes that left at least 13 dead and scores injured. Demonstrators voiced their opposition to government restrictions, demanding an end to what they termed authoritarian practices. Despite the government's claims of regulating the digital space to combat misinformation and fraud, public outcry has highlighted the widespread reliance on these platforms for communication and business.

At least 13 people have been killed and dozens are injured in Nepal after demonstrations against a government social media ban led to clashes between protesters and security forces.

Thousands heeded a call by demonstrators describing themselves as Generation Z to gather near the parliament building in Kathmandu over the decision to ban platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube.

Nepal's Minister for Communication Prithvi Subba told the BBC that police had to use force, which included water cannons, batons, and firing rubber bullets. The government has stated that social media platforms need to be regulated to tackle fake news, hate speech, and online fraud.

But popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal, who rely on them for entertainment, news, and business.

Demonstrators carried placards with slogans including enough is enough and end to corruption. Some said they were protesting against what they called the authoritarian attitude of the government.

As the rally moved into a restricted area close to parliament, some protesters climbed over the wall. Tear gas and water cannons were used after the protesters breached into the restricted area, police spokesman Shekhar Khanal told the AFP news agency.

A Kathmandu district office spokesperson announced a curfew imposed in areas close to the parliament building after protesters attempted to enter.

Last week, authorities ordered the blocking of 26 social media platforms for not complying with a deadline to register with Nepal's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Since Friday, users have experienced difficulty accessing the platforms, though some are using VPNs to bypass the ban. So far, two platforms have been reactivated after registering with the ministry following the ban.

Nepal's government argues it is not banning social media but rather trying to bring them in line with Nepali law.