The introduction of a new rule sees TikTok banned in Nepal with immediate effect. The Chinese app has seen its popularity grow over the past three years and is now one of the most used social media platforms in the world. Sadly, though, the app has come under ban in several countries in the past few years.
This decision came days after the country introduced a new rule that requires all social media firms to set up a liaison office in the country for accountability purposes. Without any evidence, the Nepalese government says TikTok content is “detrimental to social harmony.” The social media app is fully or partially under ban in many countries, including India, Afghanistan, Belgium, and others, with Nepal being the latest.
Many states fear that the Chinese government could use the app to collect data from other states to further its interests. The Nepalese foreign minister, Narayan Prakash Saud announced a cabinet meeting on the new rule. Nepalese officials have shared somewhat varying views on the ban. Rekha Sharma, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, supports the decision.
He told BBC Nepali that TikTok spreads “malicious content” hence the decision to ban the platform immediately. Gagan Thapa, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress, has questioned the government’s decision to ban the app as it is an attack on freedom of expression. Citizens within the country also have their varying views and opinions on this ban.
According to reports, more than 1,500 TikTok-related cybercrime cases have become popular over the last four years in Nepal. Both TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have refused to release an official comment on these claims and the ban in Nepal. More details on the TikTok ban in Nepal will be made available in the coming weeks.