Nepal has banned 26 social media and communication platforms after they failed to register with the government under new social media regulations. The ban, effective September 4 midnight, has led to protests that disrupted communication, press freedom and business operations across the country.
The banned apps are:
- Facebook - Social Media
- Facebook Messenger - Messaging
- Instagram - Social Media
- WhatsApp - Messaging
- YouTube - Video Sharing
- X (Twitter) - Microblogging
- LinkedIn - Professional Network
- Snapchat - Social Media
- Reddit - Community Forum
- Discord - Messaging / Community
- Pinterest - Visual Discovery
- Signal - Messaging
- Threads - Microblogging
- WeChat - Messaging / Social
- Quora - Q&A Community
- Tumblr - Blogging / Social
- Clubhouse - Audio Chat
- Mastodon - Microblogging
- Rumble - Video Sharing
- MeWe - Social Media
- VK (VKontakte) - Social Media
- Line - Messaging
- IMO - Messaging
- Zalo - Messaging
- Soul - Social Networking
- Hamro Patro - Local Nepali App
The ban has provoked a wave of protests across the country, particularly among the youth. On Monday, thousands of young demonstrators marched to the Parliament in Kathmandu, voicing opposition to the restrictions.
Predominantly led by students and Gen Z activists, the protests escalated into clashes with security forces. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition, resulting in 14 deaths and over 100 were injured.
Authorities imposed curfews in key areas, including around the Parliament and Singha Durbar, the seat of government.
Called the "Gen Z Revolution", the movement opposes the social media ban and also the perceived government corruption and the erosion of democratic freedoms. Many students joined the protests wearing school uniforms.
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the ban. "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 as per The Guardian, adding that the measures are intended to prevent the spread of misinformation.
