Nepal has made the decision to ban the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, citing concerns about its content being detrimental to social harmony. The move comes shortly after the country introduced a new rule requiring social media companies to establish liaison offices within Nepal.
Here are key details about the ban on TikTok in Nepal:
- Reason for the Ban: Nepali authorities have stated that TikTok’s content has been spreading malicious and harmful content that could disrupt social harmony within the country. The ban aims to address these concerns.
- Immediate Implementation: The ban has been enacted with immediate effect, and telecom authorities have been directed to implement the decision promptly.
- Mixed Reactions: While the government asserts that the ban is necessary to protect social harmony, some political leaders, such as Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress, have criticized the move, viewing it as an attempt to curb freedom of expression. They suggest that officials should focus on regulating the platform instead.
- Global Scrutiny: TikTok has faced scrutiny in multiple countries over concerns that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Its parent company, ByteDance, has consistently denied these allegations. TikTok has been banned in several countries, including India and parts of the United States.
- TikTok’s Popularity in Nepal: TikTok has a significant user base in Nepal, particularly among younger age groups. It is the third most used social media platform in the country, with over 80% of users aged between 16 and 24 utilizing the app, according to a BBC Media Action report.
- Previous Bans in Other Countries: Pakistan has temporarily banned TikTok multiple times since October 2020, while Indonesia recently shut down TikTok’s online shopping service. These actions highlight the global regulatory challenges facing the platform.
The ban on TikTok in Nepal is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny and regulation of social media platforms around the world. TikTok’s influence, particularly among younger users, has raised concerns among governments and authorities regarding content moderation and data security.