Nepal Bans TikTok Over Concerns About Preserving Social Harmony
In a move aimed at preserving social harmony, Nepal has banned popular video-sharing platform TikTok. Joining the ranks of countries expressing concerns about the app's content, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, announced the decision, citing consistent misuse of the platform to share content that "disturbs social harmony and disrupts family structures and social relations." This move reflects a global trend of tightening controls on social media platforms, particularly those affecting children.
The ban follows the recent introduction of a directive requiring social media platforms to establish offices in Nepal. TikTok, with approximately a billion monthly users, has faced restrictions in various countries over data concerns and the perceived impact on youth. The Nepali government claims that TikTok promotes hate speech, and efforts to address concerns with the platform were allegedly rebuffed by the company. The decision to ban the app entirely was suggested as a more practical solution than individually removing offensive content.
While the ban was announced as immediate, the timeline for user access loss remains unclear. Some internet service providers have already cut access, and others are expected to follow suit soon. The move has sparked mixed reactions within Nepal, with critics, including civil society groups, urging authorities to reconsider, arguing that it stifles online discussions and impacts content creators. Gagan Thapa, a leader in the ruling coalition, was one of those who criticized the decision, asserting that it seemed to aim at "stifling freedom of expression." He argued for a focus on regulation rather than outright bans.
TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, has consistently rejected allegations that it is under direct Chinese government control. The platform's global popularity, especially among younger users, has sparked regulatory challenges worldwide. Countries such as India, the U.S., Australia, and several European nations have implemented varying degrees of restrictions or outright bans on TikTok due to security and content concerns.
As Nepal joins the list of nations regulating TikTok, questions linger about the balance between protecting social harmony and preserving freedom of expression in the digital age.
