Nepal bans TikTok, owing to disruptions in ‘Social Harmony’

In a recent development, Nepal has banned TikTok, citing concerns about the content being detrimental to social harmony. This move follows the introduction of a new rule requiring social media companies to set up liaison offices in the country. The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, stated that the ban would be implemented immediately, attributing it to the platform spreading malicious content.
However, there are dissenting voices within Nepal, with Gagan Thapa, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress, questioning the government's decision. Thapa suggested that instead of an outright ban, officials should focus on regulating the platform, expressing concerns about potential restrictions on freedom of expression.
The global scrutiny of TikTok stems from worries that user data might be shared with the Chinese government. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has consistently denied these allegations. Notably, TikTok has faced bans in various countries, including India, Montana in the United States, and restrictions within the UK Parliament network.
The popularity of TikTok among young people is highlighted, with more than 80% of social media users aged between 16 and 24 in Nepal using the platform. Additionally, the platform has faced cybercrime concerns, with over 1,600 TikTok-related cybercrime cases registered in Nepal over the last four years.
It's important to note that public opinion on TikTok bans varies, with some advocating for restrictions due to content concerns, while others argue for regulatory measures to address potential issues without curtailing freedom of expression. The geopolitical context and concerns about data privacy and security continue to shape decisions regarding TikTok's presence in various countries.