KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has hinted at the possibility of lifting the government’s ban on TikTok.

Prime Minister Dahal revealed that the ban on TikTok was not solely driven by his personal inclination but was influenced by the insistence of other political figures, including the main opposition CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli and ruling coalition party Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

During an interaction with various media editors at Singha Durbar on Monday, the Prime Minister stated, “There were persistent queries from the opposition and ruling party leaders about the government’s stance on TikTok. I resisted the pressure for two months before eventually deciding to impose the ban.”

Expressing concerns about the perceived negative impact of TikTok, Prime Minister Dahal highlighted, “I observed certain discrepancies, even within my own household. Grandchildren were constantly engaged with TikTok…”

Despite initial public support for the ban on TikTok, the Prime Minister acknowledged the input from civil society and journalists, indicating a forthcoming approach to regulate TikTok through the formulation of social media-related legislation.

PM Dahal emphasized, “The decision to ban was taken at that time, but now, considering the recommendations from civil society and journalists, TikTok can be reopened under regulations.”