Nepal Bans TikTok, Blames It for Disruption of ‘Social Harmony’
Nepal Bans TikTok, Citing Disruption of ‘Social Harmony’
The government of Nepal has taken the decision to ban the popular social media app TikTok, claiming that it is causing disruption to “social harmony” within the country.
The announcement was made following a Cabinet meeting, with Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud stating that the ban would be implemented immediately.
“It was necessary to regulate the use of TikTok as it was disrupting social harmony, goodwill, and the flow of indecent materials,” Saud explained.
In an effort to hold social media platforms accountable, the government has requested that companies register and establish a liaison office in Nepal, pay taxes, and adhere to the country’s laws and regulations.
#Nepal bans #TikTok. How will we see this kind of dance now? pic.twitter.com/Oe01drHihS
— Garhwal Express (@Garhwal_express) November 13, 2023
The specific trigger for the ban remains unclear, and it is unknown whether TikTok had refused to comply with Nepal’s requests.
The company has not yet responded to an email seeking comment.
TikTok, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, has faced scrutiny in various countries due to concerns that the Chinese government could exploit the app to gather user data or further its own interests.
Despite TikTok’s repeated denials of sharing data with the Chinese government or any intention to do so, countries such as the United States, Britain, and New Zealand have banned the app from government phones.
In 2018, Nepal also implemented a ban on all pornographic sites.
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How can the ban on TikTok in Nepal impact the growth of the domestic tech industry and job opportunities?
L, and public order,” said Saud.
TikTok, a video-sharing platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has gained significant popularity in Nepal, especially among the younger population. However, it has also faced criticism for its content, which some consider offensive or inappropriate.
The decision to ban TikTok by the Nepalese government has sparked a debate on the balance between freedom of expression and maintaining social harmony. Supporters of the ban argue that the platform has been used to spread hate speech, misinformation, and vulgar content, which can fuel social unrest and disrupt public order.
On the other hand, opponents of the ban argue that it infringes upon the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Nepalese constitution. They believe that instead of outright banning TikTok, the government should focus on enforcing stricter regulations and content moderation.
This is not the first time TikTok has faced a ban or strict regulations in various countries. Concerns have been raised over its handling of user data and privacy, as well as its potential influence on the political landscape. India and the United States are among the countries that have taken measures against TikTok due to national security concerns.
In Nepal, the ban has led to mixed reactions. Some appreciated the government’s move to protect social harmony, while others criticized it as an infringement on their freedom. Many young users expressed their disappointment, as TikTok provided them with a creative outlet and a platform to showcase their talent.
However, the ban on TikTok in Nepal also offers an opportunity for local tech companies to develop and promote alternative platforms. This could foster the growth of the domestic tech industry, create job opportunities, and reduce reliance on foreign-owned social media platforms.
The government of Nepal has not specified how long the ban will be in place or whether it plans to lift it in the future. However, it has urged young people to explore other creative avenues and use social media responsibly.
As the debate on the regulation of social media platforms continues worldwide, the case of Nepal banning TikTok highlights the challenges faced by governments in maintaining social harmony while respecting freedom of expression. Striking the right balance remains a complex task that requires careful consideration and dialogue between stakeholders.
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