Nepal - November 2023

On 13 November, the Nepali government announced a country-wide ban on the popular social media app TikTok, citing concerns over its disruptive effect on "social harmony, goodwill and flow of indecent materials." The decision followed a directive introduced a week prior, requiring social media platforms to set up liaison offices in the country, giving them three months to comply. Rights advocates argue the ban infringes on digital rights and freedom of expression. Taranath Dahal, founder of Freedom Forum, criticized the decision to ban the app as lacking transparency, highlighting that the decision to "abruptly" shut down one platform goes against the “constitution and democratic norms." The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the decision.

Sources: The Kathmandu Post (1), The Kathmandu Post (2), The New York Times, Nepali Times, Freedom Forum