In a recently held meeting, Nepal banned the immensely popular social media application, TikTok. The move comes in response to concerns regarding the app’s impact on “social harmony” within the country. Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud has announced the immediate enforcement of the ban.
Minister Saud emphasized that the decision was crucial in order to regulate the usage of the social media platform, which had been causing disruptions to social order, goodwill, and the dissemination of indecent content. To foster accountability, the government has demanded that social media companies register and establish liaison offices in Nepal, fulfill tax obligations, and adhere to the nation’s laws and regulations.
While it remains unclear what specifically prompted this ban, speculation persists over whether TikTok had failed to comply with Nepal’s requests. The company has not yet responded to an inquiry seeking clarification on this matter.
Global Concerns and the Chinese Connection
TikTok, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has encountered scrutiny in several nations due to apprehensions regarding the potential misuse of user data by Beijing or the promotion of its own interests. Another countries like India ban Tiktok after clash on the border while the United States, Britain, and New Zealand have already prohibited the app’s usage on government devices, despite TikTok repeatedly refuting any claims of data sharing with the Chinese government or its willingness to do so upon request.
Taking a stand to uphold social harmony, the government of Nepal has instituted a ban on TikTok, effective immediately. By seeking accountability from social media platforms and aligning with regulations, Nepal aims to maintain the desired flow of goodwill and restrict the dissemination of inappropriate content. Whether TikTok had flouted Nepal’s requirements or not, the ban signifies the nation’s determination to protect its citizens’ privacy and maintain control over the impact of these digital platforms on society.