Gen Z Revolution: Social Media Ban Ignites Violent Protests and Ousts Nepal’s Prime Minister
Gen Z Revolution: Social Media Ban Ignites Violent Protests and Ousts Nepal’s Prime Minister
Kathmandu, Nepal – A political earthquake has shaken Nepal, as a wave of intense, youth-led protests—dubbed the “Gen Z” movement—has culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. What began as a peaceful demonstration against a government-imposed social media ban spiraled into a nationwide uprising fueled by deep-seated anger over corruption, nepotism, and a lack of economic opportunities.
The Spark: A Digital Blackout
The unrest was triggered by a controversial government decision to ban access to more than two dozen social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). The government justified the move by citing the platforms’ failure to register with authorities, but critics and protesters quickly saw it as an attempt to silence dissent and control the flow of information. The ban came at a particularly sensitive time, as a viral “Nepo Kids” trend was exposing the lavish lifestyles of political leaders’ children, contrasting sharply with the struggles of ordinary Nepalis facing high unemployment and limited prospects.
From Digital Fury to Street Violence
The initial digital outrage quickly poured onto the streets. Thousands of young people, many of them students and young professionals, mobilized in Kathmandu and other major cities. They carried national flags and chanted slogans against both the social media ban and the widespread corruption they believe has plagued the country for decades.
The protests, however, turned violent. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces escalated, with reports of police using tear gas, water cannons, and even live ammunition. The violence led to a tragic loss of life, with at least 19 people confirmed dead and hundreds more injured. In the capital, furious protesters stormed and set fire to a portion of the parliament building and attacked the residences of several high-profile politicians.
A Government on the Brink
Under immense pressure from the streets and facing a rapidly escalating crisis, the government made a series of concessions. On September 9, 2025, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli tendered his resignation. The government also lifted the social media ban in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.
However, the resignation and the lifting of the ban did not immediately quell the unrest. Protest organizers, who have released a list of “non-negotiable demands,” are calling for a complete overhaul of the political system, including the dissolution of parliament and new elections. They argue that the root of the problem—systemic corruption and a political elite out of touch with its people—remains.
This movement has been hailed as a testament to the power of a digitally native generation to mobilize and demand accountability. The events in Nepal serve as a powerful reminder that in the age of information, the battle for governance is not just fought in the halls of power, but also on the screens of a connected, politically awakened youth.
