The Nepali government has also decided to shut down the social media platform TikTok. In a statement last Monday, the government of Nepal has informed that they are obligated to take this decision to protect social harmony. The country’s minister, Rekha Sharma, informed journalists that this decision was made during a cabinet meeting. Subsequently, internet service providers were instructed to quickly block the app.
Almost the entire country has seen TikTok being blocked within a short period on Monday. Rekha stated, “Indecent videos and images were spreading through TikTok, hence this extreme step.” This decision has sparked intense criticism both within and outside the government.
Gagan Thapa, a leader of the Nepali Congress, has stated that this is an intervention in personal freedom and will not protect society. Former Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali has mentioned that shutting down any app may not always be a solution.
