Gen Z Protests Spark Historic Change in Nepal
On Monday, September 8, 2025, history was made in Nepal as massive protests erupted in response to the government’s decision to ban social media platforms. Many Nepalese citizens viewed the ban as a violation of their freedom of speech and press, prompting widespread demonstrations against government corruption.
The controversy began on September 4, when the Nepalese government banned 26 social media platforms. Officials claimed the ban was necessary after repeated refusals by these platforms to comply with newly introduced social media policies, despite multiple formal requests. Although the government argued that it had given platforms ample time to respond, the public reacted with outrage. On September 8, thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Kathmandu, the capital city, rallying against Parliament in what quickly escalated into large-scale riots.
Dubbed the “Gen Z Protests,” the movement extended beyond a single day. On September 9, the unrest intensified as the Singha Durbar palace—home to many parliamentary offices—was set ablaze. Protesters armed with sledgehammers tore down government buildings, and chaos spread throughout the city. Amid the turmoil, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from office. While many fought for revolutionary change, the protests came at a high cost: dozens were injured, 22 people lost their lives, and over 400 inmates escaped from prisons during the upheaval.
Amid the chaos, British travel vlogger Wehatethecold unexpectedly became a witness to history. Initially filming motorcycle travel content in Nepal, he stumbled upon the protests after noticing smoke rising in the distance. As explosions erupted and crowds surged, he shifted his focus from travel vlogs to documenting the revolution. Running through clouds of smoke and dust, he captured footage of the protests and interviewed participants about their views on the social media ban and government actions.
As the protests neared their end, Nepal faced a leadership vacuum. With no formal structure in place to elect a new prime minister, citizens turned to the social media platform Discord to organize and express public opinion. Ironically, Discord was one of the platforms banned by the government. Using its community features, Nepalese citizens rallied to support the election of the country’s first female prime minister, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. While Discord wasn’t the official mechanism for the election, it played a key role in gauging public sentiment during a time of governmental transition.
This moment in Nepal’s history highlights how populations can rise against perceived oppression and demand change. As Gen Z approaches the age of political influence worldwide, their ability to mobilize and challenge authority is becoming increasingly evident. However, revolutions often come with unintended consequences—innocent government workers caught in the crossfire, widespread injuries, and the destabilization of public institutions.
Nepal now stands at a crossroads, undergoing major governmental restructuring. Despite the losses and chaos, many citizens look to the future with hope, believing that this movement will lead to a more transparent and inclusive government.