Nepal Internet Blackout Triggers Riots and Global Shockwaves

Nepal just blacked out WhatsApp, TikTok, and more—sparking deadly protests, toppling a prime minister, and dragging India and China into chaos. One government order set off a chain reaction the world can’t ignore.

In this episode of Rethinking Tech, Aparna and Harinda unpack the fallout: why a single shutdown can ignite nationwide unrest, how algorithms reward outrage, and what happens when governments, Big Tech, and citizens all fight for control of the same digital space.

🔥 What you’ll discover:

- How Nepal’s social-media ban triggered riots and a citizen-led government shake-up. ⚡
-Why uprisings from France to Sri Lanka rarely create lasting reform. 🌍
- The high-stakes tug-of-war between governments, tech platforms, and everyday users when networks go dark. 📱
- How outrage-driven algorithms push politics to the extremes. 🔥
What this means for the future of free speech and digital democracy. 🗳️

🕒 Chapters

00:00 Global Protests: A Catalyst for Change?

05:26 The Importance of Protests

10:11 Nepal's Political Landscape and Geopolitics

14:29 Geopolitical Implications of Nepal's Protests

18:43 The Intersection of Technology and Law Enforcement

23:20 The Challenges of Global Values in Tech

28:10 Government Control and Public Reaction

👋 Stay in the Loop

Aparna Bhushan → LinkedIn