KATHMANDU, Sept 6 – Big news, everyone! The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has just told all internet providers to remove the ban on TikTok. Yup, that’s right – TikTok is back!
The NTA made the announcement on Friday, following a Cabinet decision on August 22. The notice says, “As per the government’s decision, made during the Cabinet meeting on August 22, to end the ban on TikTok, the Nepal Telecommunications Authority has directed all relevant internet and mobile service providers to lift the restriction until further notice.” This is all based on Section 15 of the Telecommunications Act, 1997.
The government initially banned TikTok nine months ago due to worries about its impact on social harmony. But now, TikTok can return, though ByteDance (TikTok's parent company) has three months to meet certain conditions set by the government.
TikTok reps were in Kathmandu this week, chatting with officials from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. They’ve promised to follow the new rules to keep things cool.
The ban was put in place last November after the government rolled out the ‘Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023,’ mainly because of complaints from users and difficulties in moderating content without TikTok’s local presence.
The directives included a list of 19 things users should avoid on social media, like creating fake accounts or posting content that spreads hatred or promotes illegal activities.
