The Chinese short-form video app, TikTok, finds itself in the crosshairs of the Nepal government, which recently announced a ban on its usage and access within the Himalayan nation. This move follows a growing trend among nations and government bodies globally, taking action against the popular app. But what fuels the rising negativity towards TikTok, and why are countries opting for bans? Let’s delve into the details.
Nepal’s Decision to Ban TikTok: A Move Against Hate Speech
The central government of Nepal declared its intent to act on the perceived threats posed by TikTok, culminating in the decision to impose a ban on the Chinese short-form video app. Citing concerns over its negative effects on social harmony, the ban was endorsed during a Cabinet meeting held on November 13th.
According to a report by the Kathmandu Post, a significant portion of Nepali society criticized TikTok for fostering a culture of hate speech. Despite the decision being finalized, no specific date has been set for the enforcement of the ban. Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, mentioned, “The decision to ban TikTok will be implemented shortly, but no specific deadline has been set,” as reported by The Himalayan Times.
Nepal’s recent mandate for social media platforms to establish a physical presence within the country adds another layer to the ban. The absence of TikTok’s office or representatives impedes authorities from effectively addressing user concerns and swiftly removing objectionable content.
Global Perspective: TikTok Under Fire Worldwide
TikTok’s troubles extend far beyond Nepal’s borders, with a growing number of nations opting for bans or restrictions. The global apprehension towards TikTok primarily stems from concerns that its parent company, Chinese-owned ByteDance, might harvest user data for the Chinese government.
Countries with Total Bans on TikTok:
- India: TikTok faced a nationwide ban in India on June 29, 2020, over national security concerns, despite being one of its biggest markets outside China.
- Afghanistan: The Taliban banned TikTok in Afghanistan in April 2022, citing content inconsistencies with Islamic laws.
- Somalia: In August 2023, Somalia banned TikTok over concerns of terror-related content, linking platforms like TikTok to the spread of misinformation.
Countries with Partial Bans on TikTok:
Several countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, The Netherlands, and New Zealand, have imposed partial bans on TikTok. International government bodies like the European Commission and NATO have also restricted staff from using TikTok on corporate phones, citing security reasons.
The United States: A Complex Scenario
In the United States, different states have varying rules regarding TikTok. While a nationwide ban hasn’t been implemented, individual states are taking their own measures. Some universities have chosen to ban the app on government-owned devices, citing security concerns.
The scrutiny and bans against TikTok globally reveal the widespread apprehension surrounding the app’s data privacy and content-related issues. As the debate continues, TikTok remains a subject of contention on the international stage.
