Why Did Nepal Ban Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp? Deadly Protests Shake Kathmandu

Kathmandu: Kathmandu was on edge on Monday, September 8, as a government ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube, sparked violent demonstrations that left nine people dead and more than 40 injured.

The capital’s New Baneshwar area turned into a battleground after thousands of protesters — many from Nepal’s young generation — stormed the streets, chanting “Unban social media” and “Shut down corruption, not freedom.” By noon, demonstrators had vandalised the gates of Parliament, forcing police to unleash tear gas, water cannons, and even live rounds.

Civil Hospital’s executive director Mohan Chandra Regmi confirmed that all nine victims died from injuries sustained during clashes. Forty-two others remain in treatment, many in critical condition.

Authorities swiftly imposed a curfew across multiple hotspots, including Maitighar and Baneshwar, restricting movement until 10:00 pm under the Local Administration Act. The sudden order left parts of the city deserted, even as anger simmered online through VPNs and underground channels.

The protests were spearheaded by Hami Nepal, a civic group that had obtained prior permission to rally. But as violence erupted, first-aid camps set up by activists were overwhelmed by a stream of wounded demonstrators.

At the heart of the controversy lies the government’s new mandate requiring tech giants to register locally, appoint compliance officers, and set up grievance redressal mechanisms in Nepal. While TikTok and Viber complied, global giants like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) refused, leading to their abrupt suspension.

Information Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung defended the decision, claiming it was necessary to curb misinformation and enforce accountability. But protesters see it differently. “This is not just about apps — this is about silencing our voice and cutting us off from the world,” shouted a 21-year-old demonstrator before police charged the crowd.

With Nepal already grappling with youth unemployment and widespread mistrust in governance, the social media blackout has ignited deeper resentment. For many, the ban is a symbol of systemic corruption and the state’s fear of dissent.