Nepal announced on Monday its decision to prohibit TikTok, attributing the ban to the app’s adverse effects on the nation’s social cohesion.
With approximately one billion monthly users, the widely used video-sharing platform has encountered restrictions across several countries for alleged violations of data regulations and its perceived detrimental impact on the youth.
Rekha Sharma, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, declared that the ban was instituted on the grounds that TikTok consistently facilitated the dissemination of content that “disrupts social harmony and family structures.”
While Sharma did not specify the exact reasons triggering the ban, she stated that relevant authorities were addressing technical aspects.
Following the public revelation of the ban decision, TikTok videos discussing the prohibition garnered thousands of views.
Gagan Thapa, leader of the Nepali Congress party, part of the ruling coalition, criticized the government’s move, suggesting it aimed to “stifle freedom of expression.”
He emphasized the need for regulation to curb social media abuse but denounced shutting down platforms in the guise of regulation.
The ban comes shortly after Nepal introduced a directive mandating social media platforms to establish offices within the country.
TikTok, ranked as the sixth most used social platform globally, faces increasing scrutiny amid a broader global trend of tightening controls on social media, particularly concerning their impact on children. Despite being owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok denies allegations of direct control by Beijing, emphasizing its independence.
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