कमल केसी
TikTok is the most popular social media platform in the world. It is equally popular in Nepal.
From children to the elderly, everyone enjoys TikTok. TikTok is not just for entertainment but has also started being recognized as a platform for learning. One such example is the ‘STEM’ feature.
TikTok had to face a ban some time ago. So, today in this interview we discussed about How has TikTok been operating in Nepal recently? Does it have any plans to open an office? How is it benefiting Nepali creators and businesses? Regarding these and other topics, ICT Samachar had a conversation with Ferdous Mottakin, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for South Asia at TikTok.
What are TikTok’s primary goals for the Nepali market? How important is Nepal in TikTok’s overall strategy for South Asia?
Nepal is a country full of possibilities. We are excited to see TikTok's popularity growing rapidly in Nepal. To strengthen the security of the Nepali community, TikTok has been working closely with the Nepal government for the past year.
The government has also repeatedly appreciated our efforts. Our goal is to establish TikTok as a platform for expressing creativity in a safe environment across global markets, including Nepal.
Recognizing the increasing use of digital platforms in Nepal, TikTok will support creators, businesses, and communities by providing tools and initiatives that create a ‘meaningful impact.’
Does TikTok have any plans to open an official office in Nepal?
TikTok is a global company. It supports various markets, including Nepal, through regional hubs.
For now, TikTok has no plans to establish a local office in Nepal. However, we are focusing on localization. Our team includes regional experts who understand Nepali culture, language, and social values well. We are committed to assisting Nepali users in accordance with global standards and Nepal’s social values.
Apart from that, we are committed to complying with Nepal’s laws. We are also registered under the ‘Social Media Usage Management Directive, 2080.’ Additionally, we are fulfilling our tax obligations to the Nepal government. TikTok is also registered as a taxpayer.
How is TikTok working on data privacy and content moderation?
TikTok's priority has always been to provide users with a safe, positive, and creative environment for self-expression. More than 40,000 trust and safety experts worldwide are working on community security.
Our Community Guidelines clearly define what types of content are not allowed on the platform. These rules apply to all TikTok users and all content. TikTok, in collaboration with technology and moderation teams, identifies, reviews, and removes content or accounts that violate these guidelines.
In Nepal, we are also working with local experts who help integrate regional contexts into our policies, safety product development, and content management. Besides this, we provide users with various control tools and privacy settings.
We have reporting mechanisms that make it easy for users, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies to report any inappropriate content. Additionally, we work with local experts and institutions to align and enhance our moderation practices in a culturally relevant and effective manner.
TikTok was banned in Nepal for nine months and was later unbanned with conditions. How is TikTok currently working with the Nepal government?
TikTok is a creativity-driven platform that provides opportunities for authentic self-expression and entertainment. Safety has always been TikTok’s priority. To create a safe environment, we are continuously engaging in discussions with governments and regulatory bodies worldwide.
TikTok has prioritized open and constructive dialogue with the Nepal government to address concerns related to online safety, content regulation, data privacy, and user security. Our goal is to collaborate with the government to make TikTok a safe and responsible platform for all Nepali users.
We review requests that come through appropriate channels and legal procedures. When we receive such requests from governments, we review the content based on our Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, and applicable laws and take action accordingly.
If a request does not violate our standard Community Guidelines but breaches applicable laws, we may restrict the availability of the reported content in places where it is considered illegal.
If a request is not legally valid or does not violate our Community Guidelines, Terms of Service, or applicable laws, we do not take any action.
Recently, misinformation has been spreading through social media. What is TikTok doing to prevent misinformation?
TikTok is committed to creating a safe and reliable digital space where users can access trustworthy content. Our Community Guidelines play a significant role in combating harmful misinformation.
We adopt various methods, such as removing content that violates guidelines, redirecting search results to official sources, and reducing the visibility of unverified information. These measures help ensure that the platform remains free from harmful misinformation and remains a safe space.
To combat misinformation, TikTok collaborates with internationally recognized fact-checking networks. These partnerships help TikTok identify potential misinformation, take action against it, and share accurate information with its community.
TikTok’s fact-checking partners do not moderate content on the platform, but their assessments provide valuable input. This helps TikTok take the necessary ‘actions’ in accordance with Community Guidelines. In Nepal, our fact-checking partner is NewsChecker.
TikTok’s strategy includes raising user awareness, maintaining platform integrity, and integrating innovative product features. TikTok has well-structured reporting tools that allow users to easily identify and report potentially misleading content. This user-centric approach promotes a more informed and responsible community.
What initiatives has TikTok introduced to help Nepali creators grow, gain visibility, and develop their careers?
TikTok is committed to providing Nepali creators with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow, gain visibility, and build sustainable careers in the creator economy. We have also been organizing educational resources, mentorship programs, and collaboration opportunities with fellow creators.
After the ban in Nepal was lifted, we prioritized safety education and organized dedicated awareness programs for creators and the community on topics such as cyberbullying, data privacy, and user security. We also conducted TikTok Masterclasses for small and medium-sized business owners, helping them expand their businesses and grow digitally.
Through these initiatives, TikTok has continued its efforts to support and uplift the Nepali creator community. We aim to diversify Nepal’s content landscape by working closely with creators in fields such as education, tourism, and sports, among others.
In recent years, the content creator industry in Nepal has grown rapidly. Brands have also started collaborating with content creators to promote their products. By bringing creative content creators to the platform, TikTok has been at the center of this transformation. This has opened up many opportunities for content creators to monetize their content through brand partnerships.
What measures has TikTok implemented to ensure the privacy and security of teenagers?
We are committed to providing a safe and age-appropriate experience. We have introduced various features to create a secure environment for teenagers. Accounts of users under 16 are automatically set to private, and they do not have direct messaging access.
For users under 18, the daily screen time limit is set to 60 minutes. They are also not allowed to livestream or conduct any financial transactions.
Similarly, users under 16 cannot use features like Duet and Stitch, their videos cannot be downloaded, and they cannot engage in any financial transactions.
Parents can link their accounts to their teenagers’ accounts and control security settings. There is also a dedicated Safety Center that provides security information specifically for teenagers.
At the content level, the system is designed to prevent teenagers from viewing mature or complex content. If content is detected as mature or complex, users under 18 are restricted from viewing it. For example, fictional scary scenes are not shown to teenagers.
What are TikTok’s long-term strategies for Nepal? How is it contributing to Nepal’s digital transformation and cultural landscape?
TikTok is an entertainment platform that provides users with content in various categories. We take pride in the diversity of content available on TikTok. In Nepal, thousands of creators are producing content in categories like sports, food, education, DIY, music, technology, and many others. We are also exploring partnerships with various institutions to further expand the range of content TikTok offers.
TikTok aims to empower creators, promote creativity, and positively contribute to Nepal’s digital transformation. We are committed to supporting Nepal’s emerging digital ecosystem.
We believe TikTok can play a significant role in promoting cultural exchange, supporting local businesses, and showcasing Nepali talent on the global stage.
Does TikTok have any plans to introduce new technologies or special features for Nepal?
Innovation is at the core of everything we do. We will continuously introduce new features and improvements to make the platform more engaging, creative, and safe for users. Our commitment to innovation will allow TikTok to be a platform for self-expression, connection, and personalized experiences.
