The Nepalese government is exploring the possibility of blocking additional social media platforms, including Bigo Live, Snapchat, and Tinder.
Prakash Rayamazhi, an information technology expert within Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda’s secretariat, informed the BBC that several other apps, such as Bigo Live, Snapchat, Likey, and Tinder, are also under scrutiny.
“I refer to these three as anti-social media, not social media,” Rayamazhi stated. “Their primary function has been to propagate harmful material and spread misinformation.”
“We are currently evaluating its technical aspects and its societal implications, both positive and negative.”
He added that the Prime Minister’s Office has assembled a team of experts to monitor these apps closely.
Earlier this month, The Nepal Government announced a ban on TikTok, the popular social media app.
The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on November 13, 2023, and comes in response to concerns that the app is being used to spread misinformation and hate speech.
