The KP Sharma Oli led government has removed a ban on TikTok, following nine months of ban by the earlier government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Prithvisubba Gurung announced that the ban on TikTok has been reversed, following the social network’s compliance with the recently passed operating guidelines and four additional conditions. Meanwhile, a few social media users on Thursday, 22nd August had noticed the app was functioning without the help of VPN services.
Discussions regarding the popular Chinese app was being held at Nepal’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technology since two weeks. The Ministry, following deliberations on Thursday, said the reversal was made after TikTok assured compliance with the recently revised laws. Furthermore, four conditions have been attached:
1. TikTok should promote tourism in Nepal
2. Help increase literacy, including digital security
3. Contribute towards overall literacy improvement in the nation,
4. Sensitivity on the content and language used on the platform.
The ban was initially imposed by the government of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on November 13, 2023, citing disruption to ”social harmony” as the reason.
