9th September 2025
The Nepal Information Security Response Team (#npCERT) has issued a powerful statement, expressing profound sorrow over the tragic loss of 19 young lives and numerous injuries during recent nationwide protests in Nepal.
Nepal’s Gen Z Protests
The demonstrations, led by the country’s tech-savvy Gen Z, were sparked by a government-imposed social media ban and widespread public anger over corruption.
In its official press release, npCERT called for an immediate end to violence against peaceful demonstrators and urged the Government of Nepal to engage in open and meaningful dialogue with the youth leadership.
The organization’s statement highlights a critical intersection between digital security, freedom of expression, and national stability.
The Crisis at a Glance: Social Media Ban and Civic Unrest
The recent protests mark a pivotal moment for Nepal, as thousands of young people took to the streets to voice their frustrations.
The movement was a direct response to the government’s decision to block major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, which it claimed were unregistered.
For Nepal’s youth, these platforms are not just for entertainment; they are essential tools for communication, business, and civic engagement.
The ban effectively restricted citizens’ ability to organize and share information, sparking a movement that quickly escalated. Tragic clashes with security forces led to a significant loss of life, deepening the nation’s grief and highlighting a growing chasm between the government and its younger population.
npCERT’s Call for Action and Digital Safeguards
As the national body dedicated to cybersecurity and digital rights, npCERT emphasized that the ongoing crisis poses a serious threat to Nepal’s fragile digital infrastructure and national security. The press release outlines four key demands:
Open Dialogue: A call for the government to initiate constructive conversations with Gen Z leaders to address their core concerns, including corruption and digital restrictions.
End to Violence: An urgent plea to stop all forms of violence against peaceful protestors and ensure their safety.
Impartial Investigation: A demand for a transparent and impartial investigation into the fatalities and injuries to hold those responsible accountable.
Upholding Constitutional Rights: A strong reaffirmation of the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, which are foundational to democracy.
The Role of Digital Rights in National Security
npCERT’s statement underscores a crucial point: safeguarding digital infrastructure and enabling safe online engagement are not secondary issues but are vital components of national security. The social media ban, intended to curb certain activities, has instead created an environment of instability and distrust.
The organization’s call for the “immediate restoration of social media platforms” is central to its message. By creating secure channels for dialogue, npCERT argues that young voices can be heard safely, and constructive engagement with policymakers can take place.
A Future Built on Accountability and Hope
In a time of profound grief, npCERT’s solidarity with Nepal’s youth and grieving communities offers a powerful message. The organization’s commitment to a future built on accountability, rights, and hope is a reminder that a secure digital landscape is inseparable from a healthy and stable society.
The events in Nepal highlight a global challenge where governments must balance national security concerns with fundamental human rights in the digital age.
As the nation grapples with this crisis, the path forward will require a commitment from all parties to de-escalate tensions, ensure justice, and build a more inclusive future for Nepal’s next generation.
For more: Nepal’s Gen Z Protests