Independence above all: PM Oli defends social media ban amid protests

Oli insists national sovereignty must not be undermined, calling critics “puppets,” as journalists and youth activists protest the sweeping ban on 26 social media platforms, warning it risks stalling Nepal’s digital progress.

Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Sunday, speaking about the government’s decision to ban unregistered social media platforms, said the “nation being undermined can never be tolerated”, even as various groups opposed the move.

Nepal on Thursday banned social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube among others for failing to register with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology within the given deadline.

According to the notice issued by the ministry, the social media companies were given seven days from August 28 to register.

Even when the deadline expired on Wednesday night, none of the large social media platforms — including Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Alphabet (YouTube), X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and LinkedIn —submitted applications.

Oli, addressing party representatives on the final day of a convention by the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), said that the party would “always oppose anomalies and arrogance, and would never accept any act that undermines the nation”.

The prime minister said the party is not against social media “but what cannot be accepted is those doing business in Nepal, making money, and yet not complying with the law”, MyRepublica reported.

“The independence of the nation is greater than the loss of jobs of a handful of individuals. How can it be acceptable to defy the law, disregard the constitution, and disrespect national dignity, independence, and sovereignty,” he said.

Referring to the recent mounting criticism, he called protesters and agitating voices “puppets who only oppose for the sake of opposing”.

Meanwhile, Dozens of journalists demonstrated at Maitighar Mandala in the heart of Kathmandu on Sunday protesting the government’s decision to ban 26 social media platforms.

They also demanded immediate lifting of the ban, saying the move breaches press freedom and freedom of expression of the citizens.

The protesting journalists were carrying placards with slogans such as “People’s voice cannot be suppressed” and “Let’s Speak” during the peaceful demonstration.

Separately, the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN) in a statement said that shutting down important platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube all at once can have a serious impact on education, business, communication, and the daily lives of ordinary citizens.

“This move of the government also poses the risk of Nepal falling behind the world digitally,” CAN president Sunaina Ghimire said, adding that sufficient discussions should be held with stakeholders to bring practical solutions.

“Similarly, due to the large number of users earning income by posting content on social media, there is a risk that the ban could lead to job losses and businesses collapsing,” reads the statement.

Meanwhile, the Gen Z group of Kathmandu, composed of people below the age of 28, are taking out protest rallies in Maitighar Mandala and various other places on Monday to protest the government’s move.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah in a social media post extended his “full support” to the protests by the youths.

“I cannot attend due to age restrictions, but it is important to understand their voices. I fully support them,” he said.

Another group of youngsters, who launched a campaign called “Nepo Kid” on various social media platforms, are also joining the protest rally.

“Nepo Kid”, a socialmedia trend, has become viral in recent days, with youngsters accusing the children of politicians and influential people of “enjoying privileges with money earned from corruption”.