KATHMANDU: Despite the seemingly abrupt nature of the government’s move to ban the TikTok social network app, recent revelations indicate that the decision was not impulsive but rather the outcome of extensive deliberations among political parties.
Minister for Communication and Information, Rekha Sharma, refuted any allegations of “ill-motive” behind the decision to ban the immensely popular social networking app in Nepal, asserting that the move was rooted in concerns about the disruption of social harmony.
This decision underscores a rare instance of political consensus, as various parties collaboratively arrived at the conclusion that a TikTok ban was necessary for the preservation of societal order.
According to Minister Sharma, the decision was based on political consensus as well as numerous complaints from TikTok users, including journalists and the general public.
Concerns, as she noted, ranged from social and family relations’ strain to broader societal issues.
In addressing the perception that the government might be using the ban to shield itself from criticism on TikTok, Minister Sharma appealed to not unfairly attribute motives to the decision.
It should be noted that a meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Monday decided to ban TikTok in Nepal.
Highlighting the distinction between TikTok and other social networks, Minister Sharma clarified that the decision aimed to address specific problems associated with TikTok while seeking to regulate other platforms.
Responding to concerns about freedom of expression, she also urged citizens not to panic, assuring that the decision was targeted at addressing problems rather than limiting citizens’ rights.
Minister Sharma also acknowledged that other agencies did not find sufficient grounds to close it.
However, she asserted that the decision was made by the Council of Ministers with the intention of addressing social problems rather than restricting freedom of speech.
In anticipation of potential legal challenges, she maintained that individuals were free to take the matter to court, emphasizing that similar bans had been implemented in other countries.
She also pointed out that TikTok had faced bans in other countries, including those with more established democratic systems.
She questioned the notion that similar decisions elsewhere would not impact democracy, emphasizing that such measures had been taken in various democratic nations.
In addressing the perception that the government might be using the ban to shield itself from criticism on TikTok, Minister Sharma appealed to not unfairly attribute motives to the decision.
She reminded the public of the collective effort to establish a democratic system, asserting that the government’s goal was to strengthen this system.
The decision to ban TikTok, she reiterated, was motivated by a genuine concern for social issues rather than a fear of government criticism through the platform.
However, Mahesh Bartaula, the parliamentary party whip of CPN-UML recommended that the government adopt a regulatory approach rather than an outright ban on the TikTok app.
He expressed concerns about TikTok’s misuse, acknowledging its negative impact on families, society, and the nation.
Nevertheless, Bartaula emphasized the importance of implementing regulations through legislation rather than imposing a complete ban.
UML leader, Mahesh Basnet, meanwhile, endorsed the government’s decision to restrict TikTok’s use in Nepal.
In addition to supporting measures against TikTok, Basnet suggested that the government should also consider regulating other social media platforms and YouTube channels.
DP Aryal, Vice Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), shared that the perspective of advocating for regulation rather than an outright ban on TikTok.
He believed that controlling the use of TikTok through regulatory measures would be a more effective approach.
Gagan Kumar Thapa, the general secretary of the Nepali Congress, cautioned against outright bans in the name of regulation, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance.
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