Opinion | Regulations, revolution and chaos
Summary
In 2025, Nepal faced significant challenges to press freedom with the introduction of a controversial social media bill, leading to protests by Gen Z, violent unrest, and increased violations against journalists and media houses.
Key Points
- Nepal's press freedom ranking worsened in 2025 amidst government attempts to regulate social media.
- The government introduced a controversial Social Media Bill mandating registration and allowing strict controls over online content.
- Gen Z protests erupted in response to social media restrictions, leading to violent clashes and deaths.
- Journalist safety deteriorated significantly in 2025 with numerous incidents of attacks, threats, and vandalism targeting media personnel and outlets.
