There is a massive protest against the Nepalese government’s decision to ban the ‘TikTok social media network, stating that it harms national unity. In this situation, 16 writ petitions have been presented to the country’s Supreme Court, and these petitions have been filed requesting an interim injunction against the government’s decision to ban ‘TikTok’.
It is also reported that the Supreme Court of Nepal has decided to finish the hearing on these petitions very quickly and give a decision. Filing the facts related to the petitions to the Supreme Court, Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stated that the ban was announced to prevent possible social crises and abnormal situations in the country. The Prime Minister has also pointed out that it is a fulfilment of a need to ensure the well-being of society.
Why was ‘TikTok’ banned?
After comprehensively analysing its immediate and long-term effects, the Nepalese Prime Minister explained that the government banned ‘TikTok’. It is seen in the statement of the Prime Minister of Nepal, which has been submitted to the Supreme Court, that the effect of ‘TikTok’ can threaten social freedom and national security.
The widespread application of video sharing is a cause of the breakdown of social harmony and goodwill, the government of Nepal has pointed out. Several factors have influenced the adoption of necessary measures to control the situation. Nepal’s Communications and Information Technology Minister Rekha Sharma announced in the second week of last November that content that “disrupts social harmony and disrupts family structures and social relationships” is being spread on TikTok. The minister had also said that this ban will be announced as facts have been revealed during the investigations that this situation threatens the country’s well-being.
‘Tik Tok’ is a threat to us
TikTok has now become a threat to the whole world. It creates many problems in the society. Some countries in the world have understood this situation, while other countries are paying attention to it. We also understood the dangerous situation here. Therefore, we have reached a decision that suits our country… the Minister of Communication and Information Technology of Nepal, Rekha Sharma, stated.
Cybercrime on the rise in Nepal
One thousand six hundred cybercrime cases filed in Nepal last year are directly attributed to TikTok activity. The Nepal Telecom Authority has also requested internet service providers to shut down this application, and the authority says that it is receiving good responses.
However, there are various criticisms against this decision. It is possible to observe a situation where these criticisms are presented strongly in Nepalese politics. Some have pointed out that such decisions fail to understand society and the world properly. Pradeep Gyawali, a senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal, has emphasised that there are a lot of unnecessary things in other social media, and without paying attention to them, suddenly imposing a ban on TikTok can cause unrest in society.
Serious criticisms against the decision
Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress Party’s leader, Gagan Thapa, a party to the ruling coalition, has pointed out that the government has tried to “suppress freedom of expression”. Gagan Thapa emphasises that “a regulatory process is necessary to discourage individuals or groups from misusing social media, and it is wrong to shut down social media based on that.”
Studies conducted by various organisations in the world have revealed that TikTok is the sixth most used social media in the world. Also, the number of monthly users has exceeded one billion in those studies.
Other countries that control social media
However, there are also situations where various countries have taken steps to control specific effects of TikTok. The best example can be identified from India. In June 2020, India took action to prevent several social media networks, including TikTok and shut down certain accounts. It is in the hope of protecting the state’s integrity and threats to national security.
Pakistan has also followed a similar course of action to control social media, including TikTok. The country’s authorities had said that the measures were taken to protect the nation’s discipline. Pakistan has been adamant that “immoral and obscene” content cannot be allowed to circulate.
However, the situation in Nepal has led to a vital conversation in society. Some citizens, including Nepalese civil organisations, believe this could be just the beginning. They also believe that the Nepalese government is likely to take strict measures to control social media activity in the future.
