Nepal has recently lifted its ban on TikTok, less than a year after the Chinese-owned app was prohibited due to concerns about social harmony. This development follows the swearing-in of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, who assumed office after the previous government collapsed.
The decision to lift the ban was announced by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who disclosed it after a cabinet meeting.
The reinstatement of TikTok comes as a result of a directive from Prime Minister Oli, who called for equal treatment of all social networking platforms. The move aligns with Oli’s broader vision to ensure fair and balanced regulation of digital platforms in Nepal. This directive has been implemented to foster a more equitable digital environment.
Nepal Lifts TikTok Ban Following New Prime Minister’s Directive for Balanced Digital Regulation
TikTok, owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, has reportedly engaged with the Nepalese government to address concerns that led to its initial ban. The company has pledged to comply with legal requirements, enhance digital safety, and establish a designated channel for addressing content-related issues. This proactive approach by TikTok has contributed to the reversal of the ban.
Following the ban’s lift, TikTok expressed its satisfaction, highlighting the positive impact it has had on Nepali communities. The platform’s spokesperson emphasized the joy and economic opportunities TikTok has brought to Nepal and expressed excitement about continuing to support Nepali creators and businesses.
The ban on TikTok was originally imposed by former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s administration in November, citing the app’s role in disrupting social harmony. TikTok, a major social media platform with over one billion monthly users, has faced various restrictions globally, including an outright ban in neighboring India in 2020 and legal challenges in the United States.
