The Complex Role of Social Media in Nepal’s Political Landscape
In April 2025, a significant political upheaval took place in Nepal when the government led by KP Sharma Oli imposed a strict crackdown on social media platforms. This move sparked widespread public unrest that ultimately led to the collapse of his administration. While the immediate cause of the discontent was rooted in issues like political stagnation, corruption, and economic challenges, a deeper concern remains unaddressed: the influence of big tech companies and social media in shaping societal dynamics.
The government’s decision to target major global platforms such as Meta, Google, X, and TikTok was not an isolated act but part of a broader struggle between traditional state authority and the growing power of multinational corporations. These companies operate with their own values and strategies, often conflicting with those of national governments. Their business models are built on engagement, which can be driven by sensational content, misinformation, and divisive narratives—factors that pose serious threats to democratic processes and social cohesion.
Recent events have demonstrated the potential for social media to influence political outcomes. For example, figures like Elon Musk have been able to sway elections in the United States and Germany through the promotion of right-wing, anti-immigration content. Such cases highlight the risks associated with social media, including polarization, data privacy concerns, addictive algorithms, and the spread of inappropriate content. In response, several countries have attempted to regulate these platforms, but only a few have succeeded due to their leverage over big tech companies.
An illustrative case is the 2024 conflict between Brazilian Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Elon Musk. After a prolonged ban on X (formerly Twitter), Musk eventually complied with court orders and paid substantial fines. Similarly, Australia and France have taken steps to restrict social media use among teenagers, while India has leveraged its large market to enforce content moderation, sometimes at the expense of free speech.
However, smaller nations like Nepal face unique challenges in regulating these powerful entities. Despite having a considerable user base, Nepal lacks the diplomatic and political strength to compel compliance from big tech companies. Furthermore, these firms are increasingly entangled with U.S. foreign policy, particularly under administrations that view any regulatory actions against American companies as a threat to national interests. This dynamic makes it difficult for smaller countries to take a firm stance, even when these platforms’ activities conflict with their sovereignty.
When nationalistic sentiments are high, actions against non-compliant platforms might be met with little resistance. However, the Oli government’s approach to the social media ban in September 2025 faced two critical challenges. First, the blanket ban disrupted communication for millions of Nepalis living abroad, who relied on these apps to stay connected with their families. Second, the timing of the ban coincided with a digital campaign against corruption, which further fueled public discontent. The youth-led movement had already highlighted the involvement of Oli and his allies in corruption cases, making the ban appear as an attempt to suppress dissent.
Despite these challenges, the original issue of accountability and influence of big tech companies in Nepal has largely been overlooked. Questions remain about whether platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Discord were complicit in the escalation of violence during the events of September 8–9. Did their algorithms contribute to the spread of harmful content? What measures should be in place to prevent similar incidents in the future?
At a societal level, the polarizing effects of social media in Nepal require urgent attention. Communal tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in regions like Madhesh have been exacerbated by online misinformation. Additionally, urban populations are also affected, as social media echo chambers reinforce existing beliefs and reduce tolerance for opposing views. This has led to an increase in abusive and discriminatory comments, disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups.
The resulting self-censorship among civil society members and experts has significantly diminished healthy public discourse on important national issues. As Nepal continues to navigate the complexities of digital populism, the challenge of managing the impact of social media will remain a critical task for the government.
