Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli recently met with popular social media influencers, Anshu Verma and Miss Pabi (Pabitra Shanki), who have gained significant attention through their TikTok content. The meeting took place on Thursday evening, where the Prime Minister shared a picture of the gathering and discussed the current situation surrounding social media platforms in Nepal.
During the conversation, both Anshu Verma and Miss Pabi advised Prime Minister Oli against following the previous government’s approach of banning TikTok. They emphasized the importance of regulating the platform rather than shutting it down entirely. The social media influencers suggested that TikTok could be better managed with clear guidelines, which would allow users to continue enjoying the platform while ensuring that harmful content is filtered.
Prime Minister Oli, while reflecting on the meeting, said, “I was busy with internal work earlier in the day, but in the evening, I had a conversation with these talented social media creators. They provided valuable input, suggesting that the government should not ban TikTok in the same manner as the previous administration, but instead, operate it in a more organized and regulated way.”
The issue of social media regulation has gained significant attention in recent weeks. A new bill concerning social media platforms has been presented in Nepal’s Parliament, which has sparked widespread criticism. Many people, including social media users and creators, have expressed concerns that the bill could restrict freedom of expression and limit access to digital platforms. This controversy has led to growing opposition, with many arguing that the government is overstepping its boundaries.
In a related development, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Member of Parliament (MP) Sumana Shrestha raised her concerns about the bill during a meeting on Thursday. She pointed out that it would be essential for the government to engage in discussions with content creators and experts before moving forward with any decisions. Shrestha suggested that a meeting should be organized to hear from social media influencers and understand their perspectives on the proposed bill.
The debate over social media regulation in Nepal continues to unfold, with creators, activists, and lawmakers calling for a balanced approach that ensures both freedom of expression and the prevention of harmful content. As the discussion evolves, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the concerns raised by social media influencers and the public.
