Nepal bans TikTok because gambling and hate speech undermine "social harmony".
In order to maintain the country's "social harmony", the Nepalese government announced on Monday a ban on the use of TikTok. While the government did not provide specific reasons for its decision, concerns over the presence of gambling content, hate speech and anti-government material on the platform may have played a role.
Nepali police have been investigating an increase in gambling and hateful content on TikTok since January. Gambling is illegal in the country and social media platforms offer a solution.
The Nepal Police Cyber Bureau has reported 1,647 TikTok-related cybercrime cases in the past four years. While other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom are looking for ways to curb the platform’s activities, the Nepali government has decided that the only option is to cut off the platform.
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According to the BBC, TikTok is the third most popular social media platform in Nepal, attracting active participation from more than 80% of people aged 16 to 24 years. The ban has led to an increase in protests against the government, which has been accused of suppressing free speech.
The government's decisive action highlights a growing trend around the world of countries reassessing the impact of social media platforms on social dynamics. As Nepali citizens grapple with the impact of the ban, discussions about the delicate balance between maintaining social harmony and protecting individual freedoms are likely to intensify.
The ban on TikTok could be a catalyst for a wider conversation about the regulation of digital spaces and the role of technology in shaping public discourse. The decision has already taken effect, with some ISPs already blocking access to the platform.
Other countries have tried similar measures with mixed success for various reasons, including data theft.Indonesia and India have banned TikTok outright, while the US has tried to ban it (Montana successfully) and the UK government has banned its installation on government-issued devices.
While many countries around the world are trying to limit its influence, TikTok has found support in Australia. Despite the state's crackdown on gambling and gambling ads, the platform is almost free to serve gambling ads.
The government's decisive action has sparked debate about the balance between maintaining social peace and safeguarding freedom of expression. Critics argue that TikTok’s ban and strict social media policies threaten to stifle open dialogue and dissent. However, the government does not want to give in.
Social media is under attack
The TikTok ban follows recent directives against all social media companies. Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and YouTube and anyone else joining the club will have to establish a physical presence in Nepal.
The Social Network Operational Guidelines 2023 approved by the cabinet last Thursday requires the companies to set up an office in Nepal or appoint a coordinator within three months of the policy coming into force. Additionally, social media platforms must register with the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, putting them at risk of being shut down for non-compliance.
Provisions in the guidelines prevent the creation of false identity documents on social media. This also includes a strict prohibition on sharing or commenting on such fraudulent profiles.
The regulatory framework broadens its scope to prohibit entities engaged in illegal activities such as child labor and human trafficking. Language that promotes hate speech or defamation is strictly prohibited. Modification of images without permission, photography of personal items, and publication without permission are also prohibited.
Additionally, the guidelines specifically prohibit the use of explicit language, images, video, audio, or animation that promotes pedophilia, sexual exploitation, and prostitution. The restrictions also include drug trafficking, gambling, spreading fake news, distorted information, cyberbullying and terrorism-related content. However, enforcing the new guidelines will be challenging.
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Source: www.casino.org
