Hello everyone!
Mondays often feel like hitting the restart button on life.
New week, new deadlines, new reasons to procrastinate.
But they’re also a chance to catch up on what’s happening in the world beyond our overflowing inboxes.
And today, one story is hard to ignore: Nepal is in turmoil after banning some of the biggest social media platforms we all take for granted: Facebook, YouTube, and X.
So let’s dive in…
📌 Why did Nepal ban social media?
Last week, Nepal’s government blocked 26 unregistered social media platforms, including the big three - Facebook, YouTube, and X.
Officials argued that these platforms must formally register in Nepal and comply with regulations if they want to operate. The government insists the ban is not about silencing voices but about enforcing accountability.
This decision, however, did not sit well with millions of users.
Overnight, people found themselves cut off from their digital lifelines.
Anger and confusion spread quickly, especially among young people who depend on these platforms not only for entertainment but also for education, activism, and even income.
📌 What is happening now?
The ban triggered massive protests in Kathmandu on Monday, September 8.
Demonstrators, mostly students and young professionals, marched toward parliament demanding an immediate end to the restrictions.
What began as a peaceful protest escalated after police tried to push the crowd back with batons, tear gas, water cannons, and even rubber bullets.
By the end of the day, at least 10 people were reported dead and 87 injured.
The government imposed a curfew in key parts of the capital, but the unrest shows little sign of calming down.
📌Is it only about social media?
Interestingly, protesters say the ban was just the final straw.
Many are frustrated by what they see as long-standing issues: corruption, lack of accountability, and a government they feel is increasingly authoritarian.
One 24-year-old student told AFP: “We were triggered by the social media ban, but that's not the only reason we are gathered here.”
Another protester said she was tired of the government’s attitude and wanted generational change.
So while the headlines scream “social media ban,” the demonstrations are tapping into something deeper: a demand for fairness, transparency, and a government that listens.
📌 A bit of context
Nepal is not new to internet restrictions.
In the past, it briefly banned TikTok before lifting the block once the platform agreed to local rules.
Telegram was also restricted.
This time, however, the stakes feel higher. Blocking Facebook, YouTube, and X affects almost everyone in the country, which explains why anger has spilled onto the streets so quickly.
The government claims it is acting in line with a Supreme Court order from last year, but with the protests turning deadly, the question remains - will Nepal backtrack, or will it double down?
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋
