Nepal's TikTok Ban: Assessing Constitutional and Democratic Concerns

Nepal has banned the popular short-form video app TikTok, citing concerns that its content disrupts "social harmony" and family structures. The government did not provide specific reasons for the decision, but it follows recent guidelines aimed at regulating social media platforms. Civil society groups and lawmakers have criticized the ban, arguing that it violates freedom of expression and international rights commitments. TikTok has faced increased scrutiny globally over data privacy concerns and its Chinese ownership. Despite attempts to restrict its use, the app remains highly popular, with the average American user spending 80 minutes daily on TikTok.