Nepal Takes a Stand: TikTok Banned for Disturbing Social Harmony

A move that echoes the concerns of several nations worldwide, Nepal has decided to bid farewell to TikTok, citing disruptions to social harmony and a rising demand to bring the popular video-sharing app under control. The decision was announced by Nepal’s Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, following a cabinet meeting on a decisive Monday.

Sharma emphasized that TikTok's consistent misuse has led to the disturbance of social harmony and the disruption of family structures and social relations. The decision to ban the app is not merely an expression of discontent but a concrete step, with technical measures already underway to shut down TikTok in the country.

The minister did not explicitly outline the triggering factors behind the ban, leaving room for speculation. However, it's clear that the misuse of the platform has been a cause for concern, echoing similar sentiments expressed by other countries that have either partially or completely banned TikTok, often citing security reasons.

Nepal has reported more than 1,600 TikTok-related cybercrime cases in the last four years, fueling the government's resolve to take action. Purushottam Khanal, the chief of Nepal Telecom Authority, confirmed that internet service providers have been instructed to close the app, with some already complying and others expected to follow suit.

Unsurprisingly, TikTok has not stayed silent on the matter. The platform, known for its vibrant user-generated content, has previously labeled such bans as "misguided" and based on "misconceptions." However, the company is yet to respond officially to Nepal's decision.

While the government's move has garnered support, there is opposition from political leaders within Nepal. Critics argue that the ban lacks effectiveness, maturity, and responsibility. Pradeep Gyawali, a senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal, suggests that instead of outright restrictions, a more balanced approach of regulation should be adopted to manage unwanted content on social media.

Gagan Thapa, a leader of the ruling coalition's Nepali Congress party, goes further to accuse the government of attempting to stifle freedom of expression. He argues that while regulation is necessary to discourage the abuse of social media, shutting down platforms in the name of regulation is fundamentally wrong.

The decision comes hot on the heels of Nepal's directive to social media platforms, requiring them to establish offices in the country. This move aligns with a global trend of nations seeking tighter controls on digital platforms, especially those with large user bases and potential societal impact.

TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, boasts around a billion monthly users and holds the sixth position among the world's most-used social platforms. Despite facing bans in several countries, TikTok's growth among the youth continues to outstrip its competitors, showcasing the complex dynamics between social media, regulation, and freedom of expression on a global stage.