TikTok has experienced a dramatic transformation in Nepal—shifting from being one of the most restricted social media platforms to receiving high praise from the government.
On Tuesday, December 3, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung urged multinational companies to invest in Nepal, highlighting the country’s burgeoning Information Technology (IT) sector.
“The government has ensured policy provisions for protecting foreign investments,” said Gurung while addressing the Digital Safety Summit organized by TikTok in collaboration with the ministry. “Nepal now offers a favorable environment for multinational companies like TikTok to invest with confidence and assured returns.”
The remarks come just weeks after TikTok, along with platforms like Viber and We Talk, was officially registered with Nepal's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. This registration followed the lifting of a nine-month ban imposed by the previous Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government on November 13, 2023. The ban had cited TikTok content as harmful to social harmony.
The decision to ban TikTok sparked significant backlash. Fourteen petitions were filed in the Supreme Court, arguing that the move violated freedom of expression. The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC)—representing major tech companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, and Spotify—also criticized the ban, calling it inconsistent with international norms.
TikTok lobbied heavily for the ban’s reversal. According to sources, Ferdous Mottakin, TikTok South Asia’s Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, directly appealed to the Nepali government, pledging to comply with local regulations.
(Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung (left) participates in the ‘Digital Safety Summit Nepal’ jointly organized by the Ministry and TikTok in Kathmandu on Tuesday. Photo: RSS)
On August 22, the current government, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, lifted the ban under specific conditions. Minister Gurung emphasized that TikTok was allowed to resume operation in Nepal following its commitment to social responsibility standards, contributions to tourism promotion, IT development, and support for educational initiatives.
During his address, Gurung expressed optimism about TikTok’s potential to aid in modernization of Nepal’s educational system and enhancement of digital literacy.
According to Gurung, TikTok’s commitments include running digital security campaigns, conducting training and workshops, producing localized educational content, offering scholarships, and supporting the implementation of smart classrooms in schools and colleges.
“We are confident that TikTok will maintain the image of a responsible social platform while contributing to Nepal’s social and economic development,” Gurung said.
He also outlined the government’s broader vision of transforming Nepal into an IT hub, aiming to create 500,000 to 1 million job opportunities in the sector.
RSS
