What happened?
Nepal’s decision to block 26 social media platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp — triggered a dramatic surge in VPN usage as citizens scrambled to get back online.
According to Mashable, Proton VPN reported an 8,000% spike in new signups beginning on September 3, with numbers exploding after the full ban went into effect on September 4. The surge reflects how dependent Nepalis are on social media for news, business, and communication.
Protests and violence
The ban sparked massive youth-led protests that quickly turned violent. The BBC reported 19 people were killed, while The New York Times cited local outlets saying 400 were injured in clashes with security forces. Demonstrators stormed Nepal’s parliament in Kathmandu, demanding an end to corruption and accusing the government of authoritarian censorship.
Police used rubber bullets, batons, and water cannons to disperse crowds. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned hours later after mounting criticism of the crackdown.
Social media workaround
While most platforms were inaccessible, TikTok remained online after registering with authorities back in 2024. Telegram is reportedly in the process of registering to avoid being banned.
But for many Nepalis, VPNs became the primary lifeline. Services like Proton VPN allow users to bypass government restrictions and access blocked apps — a tool protesters say kept them connected and informed during the crisis.
Deeper frustrations
Activists stressed the ban was just the tipping point. “Rather than [the] social media ban, I think everyone’s focus is on corruption,” protester Sabana Budathoki told the BBC. A viral “nepo kid” campaign exposing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children further fueled anger.
Although the government has since lifted the ban, analysts say the VPN surge shows just how far Nepalis will go to resist censorship and stay online.
