In the past two months, TikTok has taken down over 6,000 videos from Nepal due to violations of its community guidelines and local regulations. This action aligns with the platform’s increasing focus on addressing harmful content, such as misinformation, explicit material, and other forms of content deemed disruptive to social harmony.
TikTok’s Moderation Efforts
TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has been under scrutiny for the content hosted on the platform in Nepal. Previously, concerns regarding misuse led to a temporary ban on the app in 2023, during which the government cited disruptions to social harmony and the spread of harmful content. To regain trust, TikTok committed to stricter content moderation and closer collaboration with Nepalese authorities. This included a pledge to prevent the spread of misinformation and a partnership with local law enforcement to address cybercrimes
Community and Algorithmic Changes
In addition to removing violative content, TikTok has implemented advanced algorithms to identify and filter harmful material. These efforts also come as part of a broader commitment to comply with Nepalese laws and support initiatives such as promoting tourism, digital literacy, and education
Implications for Nepali Users
The removal of these videos highlights the challenges of balancing freedom of expression and regulation. While TikTok’s popularity in Nepal has opened economic opportunities for many users, the platform’s role in fostering safe and constructive digital interactions remains critical. By reinforcing its moderation policies, TikTok aims to maintain a safer online environment while allowing creative expression to thrive
This development underlines the evolving dynamics between global tech platforms and local regulations, emphasizing the importance of accountability in ensuring digital platforms contribute positively to society.
