Nepal has robust press freedom compared to other countries: Minister Gurung

Kathmandu, Aug 29: Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has opined that the freedom of the press and of expression in Nepal is open and liberal as compared to other countries.     

Talking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) on Thursday, Minister Gurung said the state of press freedom was robust in Nepal which has adopted pluralism and open society.     

"The Press in our country is much more democratic and open if we look at the SAARC region itself. It is necessary to bring a decent and systematized policy to protect the prestige of Nepal's Press sector," he said.     

Stating that only a limited number of media are in operation in even developed nations as Singapore and Malaysia, the Communication and Information Technology Minister said the government has started carrying out homework for making the Press freedom and the freedom of expression dignified and systematic.     

He stated that in keeping with this policy a meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 25 had decided to lift the ban on TikTok.     

According to him, it is not appropriate to ban social networking sites as these have become the centre of employment for the youths in recent days. However, the Minister said a decision has been made to allow the operation of TikTok only after fulfilling certain conditions as the necessary regulation is required.     

According to Clause 3 of the Social Media Operation Guidelines, 2080 BS, TikTok users or companies have to be registered. Similarly, Clause 6 of the Guidelines stipulates that the users' point of contact should be determined.     

Minister Gurung said an agreement had been reached on a proposal requiring the TikTok representative to support 'tourism promotion', 'digital security', 'digital literacy' and 'public education'.     

"We have also told them to carry out 'filtration' and 'moderation' of the indecent, vulgar words and sentences that are likely to spread social ill, in the English and Nepali language and even in the languages of the nation," the Minister said, adding that this will ensure a well-managed and sober social site in which nearly 200-300 youths will get employment. (RSS)