Nepal implements a TikTok ban due to social concerns

admin 2024年1月27日

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

echo /EK-oh /

[verb] – to mimic, reflect, or reproduce something similar to what was previously expressed, often indicating a similarity or replication of an action, sentiment, or consequence
His actions echo the principles of fairness and justice advocated by civil rights leaders.

disruptive /dis-RUHP-tiv/

[adjective] – causing trouble and therefore stopping something from continuing as usual
The ongoing construction work is disruptive to the daily routines of the neighborhood residents, causing disturbances and delays in their activities.

integrity /in-TEG-ri-tee/

[noun] – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change
The company’s policy stressed the importance of integrity, promoting ethical behavior among employees.

consistent /kuhn-SIS-tuhnt/

[adjective] – always behaving or happening in a similar, especially positive, way
The athlete’s consistent performance across multiple seasons showcased his dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence.

framework /FREYM-wurk/

[noun] – a system of rules, ideas, or beliefs that is used to plan or decide something
The government is working on establishing a new regulatory framework to manage online privacy concerns in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Article reading:

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Nepal has recently taken action to prohibit the use of TikTok, citing worries regarding the application’s effect on social harmony and familial structures. This decision echoes similar measures adopted by multiple countries, including India, due to shared concerns over the application’s influence.

Rekha Sharma, the Minister of Communication and Information Technology in Nepal, highlighted the disruptive nature of TikTok’s content, leading to the government’s decision to temporarily bar its usage. This aligns with international scrutiny amid allegations of potential data sharing with the Chinese government, an assertion consistently refuted by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company. Authorities expressed concerns over rising cybercrime incidents associated with TikTok, prompting calls for stricter regulatory measures and oversight of the platform’s operations. This move by Nepal resonates with a global trend where countries such as the United States and India have implemented restrictions on TikTok. Concerns over national sovereignty and integrity drove these regulations, notably the usage of the software on government-issued smartphones. While each nation’s specific actions may differ, the underlying concern remains consistent: the apprehension over TikTok’s potential disruption of social cohesion, its substantial influence on younger demographics, and the associated cybersecurity risks. The widespread imposition of bans and regulatory limitations underscores the ongoing global discourse concerning TikTok’s content and its societal impact, particularly among younger users. These actions have prompted discussions on the need for balanced regulatory frameworks that safeguard both freedom of expression and societal well-being.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

How do you feel about the safety issues or inappropriate content on social media, either for yourself or people you know? Has this affected your perception of online safety, or have you discussed and considered the potential risks associated with using social media?
Have you noticed any changes in how people, particularly younger individuals, approach using social media following regulatory actions like the ban on TikTok in Nepal? If yes, what differences have you observed? If not, do you think such regulatory actions influence how people view online content or engage with social media platforms?
Do you believe that banning social media platforms like TikTok is an effective measure to address concerns about cybersecurity risks and potential disruption of social harmony?
How might the decisions taken by multiple countries, including Nepal, to restrict TikTok reflect not only concerns about cybersecurity but also broader anxieties regarding the influence of social media on societal structures and values?
In contemplating the global trend of governments regulating platforms like TikTok, what factors should policymakers consider to strike a balance between protecting national interests, preserving online freedoms, and ensuring the safety and well-being of users in the digital age?

Summarization

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Describe:

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limitation
restriction
usage
application
cybersecurity risk