Introduction
In recent years, state measures to restrict, censor, or moderate online communications have spiked globally. During the same period, Generation Z (those born roughly between the late 1990s and the early 2010s) became powerful new actors of political opposition — not through the tried-and-tested channels of mass party politics or union protest, but through online-first protest movements. Where internet censorship and Gen-Z activism meet is one of the defining frictions of the era. In this article, the authors discuss how states attempt to suppress dissent online, how Gen Z resists, and how protest might develop in an increasingly-policed internet.
What Forms Digital Censorship Takes in India
India has a range of legal, administrative, and practical tools to restrict, block, or regulate digital speech. Some of the main ones:
-
Legal Frameworks: IT Act, 2000, especially Section 69A, which allows the government to block public access to any online information if it is considered a threat to sovereignty, public order, etc.
-
Blocking URLs or Accounts: The Government has blocked tens of thousands of URLs linked to content it deems extremist or separatist — e.g., related to pro‑Khalistan content. During protests, accounts, or posts supportive of protesters might be ordered blocked. Example: blocking of ~ 177 social media accounts/links during farmers’ protests.
-
Internet Shutdowns / Suspension of Services: In protest‑affected or sensitive areas, the state has suspended mobile or broadband internet services to prevent coordination or dissemination of protest footage or messages. For example, during the 2024 farmers’ protest, internet services were suspended in several districts in Haryana.
-
Opaque or Broad Application: Sometimes orders are issued without giving full reasons, or entire accounts are blocked rather than specific content, making it hard for those affected to challenge.
-
Order on Platforms to Remove or Block Material: Platforms are required under government orders to block/remove content or accounts under threat of legal or regulatory action.
-
Blocking News Websites or Media Outlets: Independent media or regional outlets may be blocked or their websites made inaccessible in certain states. The case of The Kashmir Walla is a recent example: a news portal focused on Jammu & Kashmir which was blocked by the government.
Why Gen Z Matters
Generation Z in India is generally portrayed as follows: Digital natives: accustomed to viewing content online, sharing, commenting, creating. Platforms constitute the heart of their social and political identity. More knowledgeable about rights, comparative government (what the young people see in other countries), and flows of information. More apt to employ social media use, memes, non-traditional platforms, and online tools for opposition. Individuals tend to become less patient with censorship or apparent insincere and unfair rule. In turn, internet censorship not only stifles speech but also frequently breeds opposition, generates creativity, as well as embitters complaints among Generation Z.
Case Studies: Recent Protests & Digital Censorship
Nepal, 2025
One of the most vivid and current examples is in Nepal in 2025. The government attempted to block 26 major social media platforms — including Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube — over purported failures to register them under new regulatory rules. The move triggered an explosive youth backlash. Protests erupted across Kathmandu and other cities, with students and young professionals rallying with slogans like “Shut down corruption, not social media. ”Security forces responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition. By some reports, 19 young protesters lost their lives. Even as the government later lifted the ban, the protests signaled something deeper: a generational refusal to be muted, and a demand for accountability, transparency, and digital rights.
Farmer’s Protests, 2024
-
The Central Government ordered the blocking of 177 social media accounts and links across multiple platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, Snap, Reddit) tied to the farmers’ protest, citing “public order” reasons.
-
Internet suspension in several districts of Haryana to curb spread of messages and mobilization.
-
Young farmers and supporters used digital tools anyway (videos, social media, online petitions) to maintain visibility and pressure, showing that blocking doesn’t entirely cut off the flow of communication.
Other Incidents: Internet Shutdowns / Service Suspension
-
During protests or unrest, especially in border or conflict zones, internet services are often suspended. For example, during some protests in Haryana and related to farmer marches, there were suspensions in certain districts.
-
In Ladakh recently, following protests led by local activist Sonam Wangchuk, mobile internet services were suspended. This is another example of how digital connectivity is one of the first things to be cut during unrest.
Possible Future Trends
In the future, possible trends for how this online censorship conflict among Gen Z activism could develop for India:
More Decentralized Sites / Peer-to-peer Communication: Adolescents could use sites that are more difficult to monitor or regulate.
Encrypted Messages & Transient Content on the Increase: Increasing use of disappearing messages, etc., leaving less online evidence.
Creative Protest Forms: Memes, street art, music, film, performance as protest, sometimes using coded language for dissent.
It also saw ongoing legal challenges to excessively broad censorship as well as additional advocacy for more equitable regulation.
More Frequent Internet Shutdown Requests: Governments may turn to shutdowns more frequently on an interim basis at least in protest situations. But civilian as well as judicial opposition may force more restraint.
Youth Becoming Politically More Organized: As the age of online protest increases, we could see more organized youth movements, coalitions between NGOs, civil society, perhaps institutional political participation.
Conclusion
India is at a crossroads. Gen Z is more online than ever before, and less accepting of being censored subtly. While online platforms become the center of identity building, mobilization, learning, as well as daily life, measures intended to limit them draw indignant reactions.
Digital censorship might silence protest voices temporarily but it could as well encourage resentment, indignation, and greater creativity in opposition. The question ceases to be not only whether the state may regulate speech but whether it should do so and according to what norms. In order for democracy to succeed, for dissent not to cease being legitimate, India must reconcile security, public order, country interests with openness, accountability, and deference toward foundational liberties.
Also Read:
Rights of undertrial prisoners in India
How To Send A Legal Notice In India
