Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal, today to protest the government's blocking of most social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube. The government claims these companies failed to register and comply with government oversight.

The protests are largely driven by Generation Z, typically defined as those born between 1995 and 2010. "Stop the social media ban. Stop corruption instead of blocking social media," protesters chanted.

The crowd surrounded the parliament building, breaching barricades and forcing riot police to retreat inside. Police initially responded with tear gas and water cannons, but were overwhelmed by the sheer number of protesters. They eventually resorted to firing live rounds into the crowd.

Protesters surround a police armored vehicle outside the parliament building in Kathmandu, Nepal, 8/9. Photo: AP

Protesters surround a police armored vehicle outside the parliament building in Kathmandu, Nepal, 8/9. Photo: AP

Doctor Badri Risal, quoted in the local newspaper Kantipur, reported 7 deaths at Bir Hospital in Kathmandu. Civil Hospital and KMC Hospital reported 4 protest-related deaths. Kathmandu hospitals are treating at least 58 injured individuals.

In response to the escalating situation, the Nepalese government imposed a curfew around the parliament building, government offices, the presidential palace, and other key areas in the capital.

Protesters vandalize property outside the parliament building in Kathmandu, Nepal. Video: ANI

The Nepalese government stated it had repeatedly asked about 20 widely used social media platforms in the country to register with the authorities. Those that didn't comply were blocked last week. TikTok, Viber, and three other platforms registered and continue to operate uninterrupted in Nepal.

Ngoc Anh (AP, AFP)