- TikTok Banned in Nepal
- Government Cites Social Disruption
- Controversy Over Freedom of Expression
TikTok, one of the most widely used social media applications globally, has been prohibited in Nepal.
The Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Nepal, Rekha Sharma, stated that TikTok was utilized to distribute material that “disturbs social harmony, family structures, and social relations.”
Ms. Sharma stated, “The decision to ban was made today, and the appropriate authorities are currently addressing the technical issues.
Controversies and Freedom of Expression
Certain internet service providers have already disabled access to the application prior to the ban’s immediate implementation.
However, detractors argue that the objective of the government is to curtail the freedom of expression, not to protect society.
The Nepalese Government refrained from providing a precise event or incident that may have instigated the prohibition.
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Nevertheless, this action is taken mere days after Nepal issued a directive mandating that social media platforms that operate within the nation establish liaison offices in Nepal.
In addition, the directive specifies nineteen activities that are prohibited on social media.
These include defaming individuals and disseminating content that incites hostility against any community, caste, or religion.
Concerns and Reactions on the Ban
The leader of the governing coalition party, the Nepali Congress, Gagan Thapa, stated that the government appears to be attempting to “stifle freedom of expression.”
Mr. Thapa wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Regulation is necessary to deter those who abuse social media, but shutting down social media in the name of regulation is completely wrong.”
Beyond 80% of all social media users are between the ages of 16 and 24, making it the most popular platform among this demographic.
Anti-government content on TikTok in Nepal has alarmed opposition lawmakers, who fear the ban is stifling dissent.
However, it has also evolved into a hive of illicit gambling, against which the Nepali police have had great difficulty cracking.
Four TikTok wagerers were arrested by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office between January 10 and 17.
The accused were alleged to have facilitated transactions exceeding five million Nepalese Rupi (£30,000) using online wallets.
Nepal is not the initial nation to implement limitations on TikTok access. Thus far, the application has encountered prohibitions in both India and Montana, the inaugural state in the United States to impose such restrictions on app access.
TikTok access has also been restricted on devices connected to the Westminster WiFi and Parliamentary devices in the United Kingdom.
Pakistan has temporarily banned TikTok four times, and Indonesia has banned the purchasing site since October.
