KATHMANDU — Thousands of young Nepalis marched in the capital Kathmandu on Monday demanding that the government lift its ban on social media platforms and end the culture of corruption pervading the country.
Several social media sites, including Facebook, YouTube, and X, have been inaccessible in Nepal since Friday after the government blocked 26 unregistered platforms, leaving users angry and confused.
Popular platforms such as Instagram have millions of users in Nepal who rely on them for entertainment, news, and business.
Waving national flags, Generation Z demonstrators started the protest with the national anthem before unleashing chants against the social media prohibitions and corruption.
“We were triggered by the social media ban but that is not the only reason we are gathered here,” said student Yujan Rajbhandari, 24.
Thousands protest in Nepal over social media ban, corruption
“We are protesting against corruption that has been institutionalized in Nepal.”
Another student, Ikshama Tumrok, 20, said she was protesting against the “authoritarian attitude” of the government.
“We want to see change. Others have endured this, but it has to end with our generation,” she told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Since the ban, videos contrasting the struggles of ordinary Nepalis with the children of politicians flaunting luxury goods and expensive vacations have gone viral on TikTok, which is still operating.
“There have been movements abroad against corruption and they (the government) are afraid that might happen here as well,” said protester Bhumika Bharati.
The Cabinet decided last month to give the affected companies seven days to register in Nepal, establish a point of contact, and designate a resident grievance handling officer and compliance officer., This news data comes from:http://mc-bwri-bor-ly.gangzhifhm.com
The decision came after a Supreme Court order in September last year.
In a statement on Sunday, the government said it respected freedom of thought and expression and was committed to “creating an environment for their protection and unfettered use.”
Nepal has restricted access to popular online platforms in the past.
The government blocked access to the Telegram messaging app in July, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering.
Thousands protest in Nepal over social media ban, corruption
It lifted a nine-month ban on TikTok in August last year after the platform agreed to comply with Nepali regulations.
- Supreme Court: It’s work as usual in judiciary
- DILG to roll out nationwide unified 911 hotline on Sept. 11
- DBP launches P50M program for education
- Thousands protest in Indonesia as military deployed in capital
- Discaya names lawmakers in ‘extortion’
- Russia hits seat of Ukraine government in war's biggest air attack
- Gaps in healthcare services remain - study
- Xi and Putin's hot mic moment: How long will science extend the human life span?
- Comelec to open nearly two-year overseas voter registration for 2028 elections
- NHA gives cash aid to families affected by calamity in Manila
