Nepal’s social media ban erupts in deadly protests, 10 killed

Nepal’s ban on major social media platforms has triggered violent protests in the capital, Kathmandu, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 protestors after multiple clashes with police.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli restricted 26 social media platforms, citing that the sites failed to comply with new regulations.

According to the new regulation, companies are required to register locally and appoint a liaison in Nepal.

As major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X (formerly known as Twitter), failed to do so, they are now inaccessible in the country.

Only TikTok successfully adhere to the new regulations and is currently available in the region.

On September 4, 2025, the ban was imposed, causing widespread disruption, hampering business operations, tourism and cutting off communication for families that rely on these apps to connect with relatives living abroad.

It has significantly impacted the youth of the country, who rely heavily on these apps and now find themselves disconnected from the world.

This frustration escalated on Monday, September 8, 2025, when thousands of protestors gathered in Kathmandu.

Most of the protests include young people.

The protest even turned more violent as some tried to attack parliament which resulted in a police response with tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons.

Until Monday night, the government has imposed a curfew in some parts of Kathmandu.

The government defends the ban as mandatory to combat hate speech, fake news, and cybercrime.