(Shirish B. Pradhan)
Kathmandu, November 13 (Language) The Nepal government on Monday decided to ban China-owned social networking platform TikTok, saying it has a negative impact on social harmony.
According to government spokesperson, Communications and Information Technology Minister Rekha Sharma, the decision to ban TikTok was taken in the cabinet meeting held on Monday. He said that the decision to ban TikTok will be implemented by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
According to the news of Kathmandu Post newspaper, the Nepal government has lifted the ban on TikTok in view of its “negative impact” on social harmony.
The cabinet meeting held on Thursday had decided to make it mandatory for all social media platforms including Facebook, X (erstwhile Twitter), TikTok and YouTube to open liaison offices in Nepal.
According to the news, the government said that freedom of expression is a fundamental right but a large section of the society has criticized TikTok and alleged that it is promoting hate speech. Last year, 1,647 cases of cyber crime were registered using this video sharing app.
Sharma clarified that the decision to shut down TikTok will be implemented after setting a deadline.
However, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has objected to the decision. He posted on the social media platform ‘X’, “The government’s decision to ban TikTok is wrong, the government should regulate the social media site.”
This decision is like a shock for the Chinese networking platform. Governments of various countries including India, US, European Union and Britain have banned social networking platform ‘TikTok’ due to security concerns.
Language Patience Manisha
Manisha
