Nepal, social media and corruption
Nepal, social media and corruption
This has been a fast moving developing narrative, touching on new approach to concepts of corruption, which was of extreme interest to the Gen Z Nepalese population citizens. The BBC, the New York Times, as well as many other media outlets have reported this fast moving story. “The unrest was sparked by a social media ban, which has now been reversed by the government. It has now grown into a wider anti-corruption movement that took to the streets on Monday.” The anti-corruption protests escalated in Nepal's capital Kathmandu, as government buildings were set ablaze and there were broader violent actions, which continue presently.
Why do we care? This protest movement, which did become more violent and destructive, shows the changes in corruption perspective, as in corruption tied to social media, can drive new anti-corruption protest. Concerns regarding how social media is being used, tied to remittances in Nepal, since a very high number of Nepalis work abroad and use social media to move money as well as communicating with family, was very important to the population. The government politicized the uses of social media which in turn created the environment that led to the protests. Additionally, the corruption of senior government officials and lack of job opportunities, fueled by corruption, were more traditional drivers in this instance. Unfortunately, even though many senior government officials have stepped down, the reality is that what is going on in government in Nepal now is a question. Chaos can sometimes be the resolution in legitimate anti-corruption issues and for now, though this may be a victory, it is sadly a pyrrhic one.
Links:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c741n80ndlxt
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/world/asia/nepal-protests-gen-z-social-media.html