Why Gen-Z protests have erupted in Nepal: Govt action on social media ‘for revenue’ sparks free speech concern

The protests in kingdom of nepal that led to pandemonium and multiple deaths in working capital capital of nepal came after the government's determination to ban 26 social media platforms, including widely used apps such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat, for not registering under new rules.

The government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli argues that it's an effort to tax the revenue these apps generate in Nepal. But critics stress that the government wants to control content critical of it.

Following the order from the government, social media sites went dark past midnight on September 4.

After peaceful demonstrations did not broker a reversal, the protests grew into a larger movement against corruption in general in the country.

The Nepal central government says it took action against the apps after issuing repeated warnings. It wants them to open offices in Nepal, following a cabinet decision last month that set a deadline. An August 17 Supreme Court ruling also required the social media companies to register and pay requisite taxes.

However, the proposed legislation or Bill cited in the ban, 'The Operation, Use, and Regulation of Social Media in Nepal', has not yet been passed by Parliament.

Some social media platforms that were already paying taxes in Nepal, despite not being officially registered, have also been blocked, ANI reported.

Platforms that remained accessible include Viber, TikTok, Wetalk and Nimbuzz, which are registered in Nepal. Telegram and Global Diary are in the process, reports said.

But Meta-owned Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp have yet to initiate registration.

Matters escalated on Monday after social media users simply calling themselves ‘Gen-Z’ (a term used for those born around the turn of the millennium) called for a nationwide protest.

Social media leaflets and posts had earlier called for people to gather near the parliament in the capital.

The protesters accuse the government of stifling free expression while failing to address deep-seated corruption. Nepali artists, actors, and entertainers voiced their support too.

Actor Hari Bansha Acharya posted on Facebook: "Today's youth do more than just think – they ask questions. Why did this road collapse? Who is accountable? This is not a voice against the system but against those who misuse it."

Singer-actor Prakash Saput publicly supported the protestors by sending NRs 25,000 each to two brothers participating in the protests, advising them to stay hydrated and use the funds to help fellow demonstrators, The Kathmandu Post reported.

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