Kathmandu, Nepal – The Government of Nepal has announced the immediate shutdown of the social media platform ‘Tiktak’, citing its disruptive influence on social harmony. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting held today at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.
Government Spokesperson and Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, stated that ‘Tiktak’ has been consistently propagating content that threatens to destabilize the country’s family structure and social relations. “We have decided to halt ‘Tiktak’ operations for the time being to control this,” Sharma said.
The Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Communication to handle the technical aspects of the shutdown. “The decision to shut down ‘Tiktak’ has been made today. The relevant person is waiting because the technical aspects have to be arranged,” Sharma explained. She further added that the Ministry of Communication and the Telecommunication Authority have already begun preparations for the shutdown, which is likely to take effect from today.
In recent times, ‘Tiktak’ has been under scrutiny for inciting social, religious, and communal tensions. There has been a growing demand for the government to take immediate action to regulate the platform.
Update: Nepal Telecommunication Authority Takes Action
Following the government’s decision, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority has written to all internet service providers instructing them to block ‘Tiktak’. Assistant Spokesperson of the authority, Achyutanand Mishra, confirmed that the headquarters have been informed about the closure of ‘Tiktak’.
“We have written to all internet service providers and told them to shut down ‘Tiktak’, we have also informed the headquarters of ‘Tiktak’. As soon as the government’s decision came, we corresponded. ‘Tiktak’ will be closed within 24 hours,” Mishra said.
The government’s decision to close ‘Tiktak’ is facing widespread opposition on social media, reflecting the platform’s popularity among the Nepalese population.
Public reaction to Tiktak shutdown in Nepal
The decision to ban ‘Tiktak’ in Nepal has elicited a variety of reactions from the public. Most of the immediate reaction on social media, including on ‘Tiktak’ itself, was of outrage and ridicule. Many commentators view the ban as a sign of a shaky coalition that has been spooked by the rise of the religious right and pro-monarchy forces.
According to a media survey conducted by Sharecast Initiative in 2022, 56% of a sample group of Nepalis who were on the Internet said they used ‘Tiktak’. Many critics of the move have seen the ‘Tiktak’ ban as the first step in what they see as a government design to muzzle freedom of expression and an independent media in Nepal.
Constitutional law expert Bipin Adhikari has raised concerns about the ban, emphasizing that TikTok symbolizes freedom of expression. He argues that prohibiting it restricts freedom of speech and questions how the government can be held accountable without criticism,” as reported by Nepali Times. The government’s decision has faced criticism from opposition parties as well, who believe it highlights the fragility of the 8-party coalition government.
However, it is crucial to emphasize that these reactions encompass a variety of perspectives, and there may be differing opinions. As per the media report, the government’s decision was motivated by apprehensions regarding the effect of ‘Tiktak’ on social cohesion.
Countries Where the Platform is Blocked
As of today, TikTok, the widely popular short video-sharing platform, has encountered bans in several countries due to concerns related to national security, privacy, and cybersecurity. Here are some of the nations where TikTok is currently blocked:
- India: In 2020, Indian authorities imposed a comprehensive ban on Chinese apps, including TikTok, affecting over 50 applications. The ban remains permanent, and TikTok has withdrawn from the Indian market.
- Afghanistan: Although as of January 2023, the ban ordered by the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan to prevent the younger generation from “being misled” had not come into effect, the platform faces uncertainty in the region.
- Pakistan: TikTok’s status in Pakistan has been tumultuous, with authorities imposing bans on the app multiple times between October 2020 and November 2021.
- Australia: The Australian federal government banned TikTok from devices issued by the government, expressing concerns about privacy and security.
- Belgium: Belgium temporarily banned TikTok from devices owned or paid for by the federal government, citing worries about cybersecurity, privacy, and misinformation.
- Canada: The Canadian government announced that government-issued devices should not use TikTok due to an “unacceptable” risk to privacy and security.
- Denmark: The Defense Ministry of Denmark prohibited its employees from having TikTok on their work phones, citing security concerns.
It’s crucial to note that while these countries currently have restrictions on TikTok, the status of the platform in each nation can change rapidly due to evolving political, social, and technological factors. Additionally, some countries may have previously imposed bans but have since reversed their decisions.
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