The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has directed all internet service providers (ISPs) and mobile service providers to allow users an access to the social media platform TikTok.
Issuing a notice on Friday, the country’s telecom regulator, said its latest decision was in line with the Cabinet's decision last month to lift the ban on the popular application in the country.
Earlier, the internet service providers had said they were unable to allow the users access to TikTok without instructions from the regulatory body.
On November 9 last year, the government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal introduced the Social Media Regulation Guidelines, which made it mandatory for all social media platforms operating in Nepal to register locally and set up a contact point within the country.
Subsequently, On November 13, the government announced that Tiktok was banned, claiming that the contents being produced on the social media platform were negatively impacting social norms and harmony.
Following the ban, 14 different petitions were filed to the Supreme Court, saying the ban was against the spirit of the freedom of expression.
Prior to the ban, there were reportedly around 2.2 million TikTok users in Nepal
TikTok reportedly asked the government multiple times, in writing, to lift the ban, saying it was not beneficial for itself as well as Nepal.
Besides the company, high profile leaders including the Chinese ambassador to Nepal, had repeatedly lobbied to lift the ban. TikTok is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance.
The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), a representative organisation for mobile apps, internet, and social media companies like Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, Yahoo, LinkedIn, Rakuten, and Spotify, sent a letter to the Government of Nepal, stating that banning TikTok and monitoring other apps without proper legal provisions goes against international practices.
Following widespread concerns, the KP Sharma Oli-led government finally decided to lift the ban on August 22.
Prithvi Subba Gurung, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, had said that the ban was lifted but with some conditions.
Accoridng to Gurung, TikTok would need to appoint an officer within three months, regulate the language used on the platform and support Nepal's tourism, digital education, and security.
Subsequently, TikTok representatives visited Kathmandu, met with officials from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and expressed commitment to adhere to the conditions set.
