The Nepalese government is reportedly moving towards lifting the nine-month-old ban on the popular Chinese social media app, TikTok. Positive discussions are said to be underway, with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli himself showing keen interest in the matter. According to sources, the Prime Minister has instructed Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, to hold necessary discussions regarding the potential reopening of the app.

This renewed interest in TikTok comes after the company recently sent an email directly addressing Minister Gurung, requesting the removal of the ban. The email reportedly assured full compliance with Nepal’s existing policies, rules, and regulations, a departure from previous correspondences where TikTok had focused more on financial losses and economic impacts due to the ban.

Gajendra Kumar Thakur, spokesperson for the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, confirmed that TikTok has sent multiple letters to the government since the ban was imposed in November last year. This time, however, the tone and content of TikTok’s communication seem more aligned with the government’s expectations, sparking optimism for a resolution.

The topic has even reached the Cabinet, where ministers have had initial discussions about the ban. While no final decision has been made, the discussions have reportedly been positive. A senior minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Prime Minister Oli raised the issue in a recent Cabinet meeting, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before making a decision.

The ban, initially imposed due to concerns that TikTok was disrupting social harmony and the environment, led to public protests in Kathmandu. Despite the ban, many users have continued accessing TikTok through VPNs. Meanwhile, smaller content creators and businesses that rely on the platform for their livelihood have expressed frustration over the economic impact of the ban.

TikTok has been lobbying hard to have the ban lifted, with the latest email from its South Asia Public Policy and Government Relations Head, Firdaus Motkin, directly addressing key government officials, including the Prime Minister. The company has reportedly agreed to establish a local office or mechanism in Nepal to monitor content and ensure immediate compliance with any government directives.

While a final decision is still pending, the ongoing discussions suggest that TikTok could potentially be reopened in Nepal within a few days, provided both sides reach a satisfactory agreement. This would be a significant development for the platform’s large user base in the country, who have been eagerly awaiting its return.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates on whether TikTok will make a comeback in Nepal.