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Washington has reached a "framework" deal with China on TikTok's US operations, paving the way for American ownership, as the world's two biggest economies negotiate a trade deal, BBC reported.

The framework was set in talks in Madrid, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday, adding that President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping would "complete" the deal on Friday.

Trump said on Truth Social that the talks had "gone very well". China confirmed a framework agreement but said no deal would be made at the expense of their firms' interests.

A Wednesday deadline looms for TikTok's Chinese owner to find a buyer for US operations or face a ban in the country over national security concerns, according to BBC.

US President Donald Trump has signed the bipartisan “Take It Down Act,” which makes it a federal crime to share explicit images — real or AI-generated — without a person’s consent. Offenders can face up to three years in prison. The law also requires tech companies to remove such content within 48 hours of notification, according to BBC.

First Lady Melania Trump, who played a key role in promoting the bill, joined the president at the signing ceremony. She called the legislation a “national victory” that will help protect children and families from online exploitation.

The bill, supported by major tech companies including Meta, Google, and TikTok, is the sixth law signed during Trump’s second term. However, some digital rights groups, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, warn the law could lead to over-censorship, threaten free expression, and undermine encryption and user privacy, BBC reported.

A landmark antitrust trial against Meta began on Monday, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleging that the company unlawfully stifled competition by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp.

The FTC claims Meta chose to eliminate rivals instead of competing, noting that the company overpaid for Instagram in 2012 ($1 billion) and WhatsApp in 2014 ($19 billion), Reuters reported.

Meta defended its position by claiming that the FTC had already authorized these purchases and that YouTube and TikTok are competitors.

A decision in the FTC's favor would cause Meta to disband, which might compel CEO Mark Zuckerberg to sell up Instagram and WhatsApp. The trial will probably last for a few weeks, and both Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg are anticipated to testify.

United States President Donald Trump says he would be willing to reduce tariff rates on China to secure a deal with TikTok’s Chinese parent company ByteDance to sell the social media app used by 170 million Americans, Reuters reported.

Trump's proposal came as he proposed a 25% tariff on imported autos and auto parts, the latest salvo in a deepening trade war that has strained relations with allies and partners.Earlier this month, Trump boosted additional duties on all Chinese imports to 20%, up from 10% in February, according to Reuters.

Under US law, ByteDance was obligated to withdraw from TikTok by January 19 or face a ban.  However, Trump allowed a 75-day grace period, which will end on April 5.

Trump has stated that he is open to extend the deadline if an agreement on the social media app is not achieved.
 

The UK's data protection watchdog on Monday announced investigations into three social media networks, including TikTok and Reddit, over their use of children's personal data.

Growing concerns that young people could be sent inappropriate or harmful content from social media apps prompted the probes, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said in a statement.

"The responsibility to keep children safe online lies firmly at the door of the companies offering these services and my office is steadfast in its commitment to hold them to account," said Information Commissioner John Edwards.

The ICO will look into how Chinese-owned TikTok uses the personal information of 13-to-17-year-olds to make recommendations and deliver content to their social media feeds.

Online forum site Reddit and image-sharing site Imgur are under investigation over their age assurance measures as well as personal information use.

"We're deeply committed to ensuring a positive experience for young people on TikTok," a company spokesperson said in a statement to AFP.

TikTok has "comprehensive measures that protect the privacy and safety of teens, including industry-leading safety features and robust restrictions on the content allowed in teens' feeds", the firm added.

The other two platforms had yet to respond.

In 2023, the ICO fined popular video-sharing app TikTok several million pounds for failing to obtain consent of parents or guardians to use children's data, after they had set up accounts despite being too young. AFP 

TikTok is profiting from sexual livestreams performed by teens as young as 15, according to BBC.

We spoke to three women in Kenya who said they began this activity as teenagers. They told us they used TikTok to openly advertise and negotiate payment for more explicit content that would be sent via other messaging platfor.ms, BBC reporting says

TikTok bans solicitation but the company knows it takes place, moderators have told the BBC. TikTok takes a cut of about 70% from all livestream transactions, we have previously found.

TikTok told the BBC it has "zero tolerance for exploitation".

Livestreams from Kenya are popular on TikTok - each night over the course of a week, we found up to a dozen in which women performers danced suggestively, watched by hundreds of people around the world, according to the report.

Britain's privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office, on Monday launched an investigation into how TikTok, Reddit and online image sharing website Imgur safeguard children's privacy.

Social media companies use complex algorithms to prioritise content and keep users engaged. However, the fact that they amplify similar content can lead to children being influenced by increasing amounts of harmful material.

The watchdog said it is probing how ByteDance's short-form video-sharing platform TikTok uses 13–17-year-olds' personal information to suggest content in their feed.

Social media platform Reddit and Imgur are being investigated over how they assess the age of their child users, it said.

"If we find there is sufficient evidence that any of these companies have broken the law, we will put this to them and obtain their representations before reaching a final conclusion," the Information Commissioner's Office said in a statement.

TikTok, Reddit and Imgur did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Britain has previously passed legislation that set tougher rules for social media platforms, including a mandate for them to prevent children from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content by enforcing age limits and age-checking measures

Social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are required to "tame" their algorithms to filter out or downgrade harmful material to help protect children under proposed British measures published last year. Reuters

TikTok has removed 6,078 videos that were posted against the ‘community guidelines’ in Nepal in two months.

TikTok's representative said out of the videos posted in April and June 99.1 percent of the videos were removed immediately while 93.2 percent videos were deleted within 24 hours.

The data was presented at the 'Digital Safety Summit Nepal' organized by TikTok in coordination with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

On the occasion, TikTok representative Sidra Jalil presented a working paper on the regulatory guidelines prepared by TikTok.

Jalil said that the age group has also been categorically allocated to create a dignified and systematic TikTok platform.

According to the guidelines, the user should have a minimum age of 16 years to directly send messages to TikTok and 18 years to go live.

In lack of awareness on the proper use of social media, the guidelines were not followed properly, the representative said.

On the occasion, TikTok's Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for South Asia, Fordous Mottakin said that TikTok is committed to continuously collaborating with the Government of Nepal to promote digital literacy and online safety.

He said that the guideline has been put in place for the online safety of children and youth in particular.

Noting that some precautionary steps have been taken towards creating a safe online environment in Nepal, he said that there is a special concern for the safety of TikTok users.

Nepal Police have urged the users not to employ VPN and DNS platforms for the operation of government-banned social site, TikTok.

The police cautioned the people for not using illegal and unsafe VPN and DNS platforms as it may result in the theft and loss of their secret and sensitive data.

It may be noted that the Nepal government on November 13 had decided to completely ban the operations of social site, TikTok.

The Nepal Police have called for the users to not use unlawful and unsafe platforms such as VPN, DNS.

The Nepal Police cyber security bureau said it is most sensitive when the incidents of cybercrime are increasing of late.

The Social Media Management Guidelines 2080 is part of government efforts to regulate online space and social media through administrative measures. The guidelines and the ban on TikTok undermine the right to freedom of expression enshrined in the Constitution and limitations outlined in the Electronic Transaction Act. The guidelines covers diverse issues like fake ID and trolling without defining them, apart from defining ‘hate speech’ loosely, though the onus is on the Parliament to define the term. It bars social media users from creating and sharing contents through anonymous/fake IDs or commenting on shared contents. The right to be a part of cybersphere is key to safeguarding constitutionally-guaranteed digital rights also enshrined in international human rights instruments. Such a provision will violate people’s right to use social media for causes dear to them. Instead of opting for administrative measures to regulate the cybersphere, government should go for legislative regulation. 

The author is Executive Director at Digital Rights Nepal 

The government decision to ban TikTok, citing disruption of social harmony, family structure  and goodwill, has left everyone puzzled. There is no clear answer as to why the government abruptly shut down the popular video-sharing app. This move contradicts constitutional provisions and international commitments to safeguard freedom of speech and expression.  

While the government has the authority to ban apps affecting national security, social harmony, and law and order, the lack of clear reasons for the TikTok ban is problematic. Currently facing 10 writ petitions in the Supreme Court, and more in the pipeline, the government's decision is under scrutiny. Advocate Dinesh Tripathi, one of the petitioners, warns that the government may extend the ban on other apps as well.

The misuse of TikTok has been a persistent concern for government agencies, prompting continuous discussions between TikTok and the Nepal government regarding content regulation.  On 3 November, TikTok representatives presented a detailed working process, moderation and model of collaboration to the Nepal government. Earlier, an internet safety summit was organized in the presence of TikTok representatives, civil society and government officials. Similarly, TikTok has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nepal Telecommunication Authority to create awareness about the misuse of the platform.

Also in June, TikTok provided access to the Trust and Enforcement Tool to Nepal to ensure the reporting of content that is in violation of local laws. TikTok says it has since removed around three million videos by Nepali users for violating community standards. It appears that the government's desire for complete control over the so-called objectionable content led to the ban.

According to one government source, the ban was prompted after TikTok refused to remove all the videos that were flagged by the government.  The government's decision lacks transparency, with no specific reasons shared with the public. Three major political parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center)—have by and large remained mum about the ban. Minister for Information and Communication Technology Rekha Sharma has suggested that there was an all-party consensus to ban TikTok. 

The silent position taken by major parties backs Sharma’s claim of all-party consensus. While some Congress leaders including Gagan Kumar Thapa, Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Shekhar Koirala have opposed the decision, the party President, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has not said anything.

In an all-party meeting held a few days ago, leaders expressed their concerns over the use of TikTok to disturb social harmony and religious tolerance. Following the discussion, the government came up with social media guidelines, asking the public to avoid the misuse of social media. Observers say, major parties may have agreed to ban TikTok after new political parties and rabble-rousers were heavily featured on TikTok clips where they defamed politicians and government. Security agencies have also expressed concerns about the misuse of TikTok to create social discord. A senior security officer says there were several videos on TikTok that created discord and disharmony among various religious and ethnic groups. 

But former deputy inspector general of Nepal Police, Hemanta Malla, says the government’s ban on TikTok cannot be justified. He notes that  there are far more objectionable contents on other platforms. Some experts say geopolitical factors may also have influenced the government’s decision to ban TikTok, as there have been global concerns about TikTok's potential threat to data security.  The ban has particularly hit small businesses, especially those led by women. For them, TikTok was a crucial platform to promote their products and brands. The app also helped to promote Nepal’s tourism destinations.

After India along with 59 Chinese-owned apps  banned TikTok in 2020, Nepal was the largest market for the platform.  The ban by India came shortly after a clash between Indian and Chinese troops at a disputed Himalayan border killed 20 Indian soldiers and injured dozens. 

As TikTok does not want to lose its user base in Nepal, its representatives are in Kathmandu to negotiate the lift on the ban. Experts suggest regulating the platform instead of a complete ban, but government officials argue that Nepal lacks sufficient mechanisms for content regulation. The plea for social media giants to open offices in Kathmandu echoes the need for better regulation rather than outright prohibition.

According to news agency AP, TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has faced scrutiny in a number of countries because of concerns that Beijing could use the app to harvest user data or advance its interests. 

Countries including the United States, Britain and New Zealand have banned the app on government phones despite TikTok repeatedly denying that it has ever shared data with the Chinese government and would not do so if asked, according to AP.  It has 1 billion uses globally. Nepal has banned all pornographic sites in 2018. 

TikTok, owned by Chinese technology company Bytedance, has long maintained that it doesn’t share data with the Chinese government. It says a project to store American user data in the U.S. will put it out of China’s reach and it disputes accusations that it collects any more user data than U.S. social media companies do, according to AP. 

At least six writ petitions have been filed at the Supreme Court against the government's decision to ban TikTok.

On the first day of the opening of the court after the Tihar holiday, legal practitioners filed writ petitions challenging the government's decision.

Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi and advocate Swagat Nepal among others filed separate writ petitions.

They have demanded that the government’s decision to ban TikTok be scrapped at the earliest.

Saying that the decision has caused irreparable damage to the people, they have demanded that an interim order be issued in their petitions.

The government on November 13 had decided to ban TikTok in Nepal over what it says is disturbing “social harmony”.

Meanwhile, the preliminary hearing on the writ petitions filed at the SC against the government’s decision to ban social media platform will be held on Monday.

A writ has been filed at the Supreme Court against the government’s decision to ban TikTok in Nepal.

Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi filed the writ at the apex court soon after the office opened on Friday.

The government on November 13 had decided to ban TikTok in Nepal over what it says is disturbing “social harmony”.

The petitioner has demanded that the Supreme Court annul the decision of the government to ban the social media app.

The decision of the government to ban TikTok is unconstitutional, illegal and arbitrary and against the international human rights law, advocate Tripathi said.

“The decision of the government is against the spirit of the Constitution. This is an open and clear violation of the Constitution,” he said.

In the writ, advocate Tripathi had demanded that the apex court issue a mandamus order to quash the government’s decision to ban the platform.

The government has warned of taking action against those found using TikTok in an illegal way.

A Cabinet meeting held on November 13 had decided to ban the social media app in Nepal over what it says is disturbing “social harmony”.

However, even after four days of the government's decision, TikTok has not been totally banned in Nepal.

People are found using TikTok through VPN easily.

Some internet service provider companies have supported the government’s move to ban TikTok.

The concerned organizations have even protested the government’s decision to ban TikTok, which has been very popular in recent times.

But, various political and social figures have said that it is the good job of the government to ban TikTok in Nepal.

Nepal Telecommunication Authority Director and spokesperson Santosh Paudel said that the authority has already started an initiative to ban TikTok.

“In order to implement the government’s decision, the authority has directed all the concerned internet and mobile service providers by using the rights given by Telecommunications Act 2053 (15),” he said.

Nepal Police spokesperson Kuber Kadayat said that personal details will not be secured if people use TikTok by downloading illegal apps.

He claimed that action would be taken against those found using TikTok by downloading illegal apps.

The government’s move to ban TikTok has drawn mixed reactions from the people.

Following the decision of the government to ban TikTok in Nepal, the TikTok has expressed its concerns through an email to the Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA).

TikTok on Monday had sent a letter addressing NTA Chairman Purushottam Khanal.

The government on November 13 had decided to ban TikTok in Nepal over what it says is disturbing “social harmony”.

The TikTok was informed about the decision on October 27 through the authority.

In response, Tiktok said that it was surprised by the government’s decision and asked the real reasons for imposing the ban.

“It is with great concern that we acknowledge the email received from your office today regarding the Government of Nepal's decision to block/ban TikTok,” reads the email sent to Khanal by Ferdous Mottakin, the Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for South Asia on November 13.

 “We were as surprised as we’re sure the millions of Nepal citizens were, who have been a part of our community expressing their creativity and joy through the platform.”

“In a very short span of time, we have been embraced by people of all regions, cultures, and socio-economic strata in Nepal who utilize our platform to get informed, entertained, and inspired.

“This ban will not just hamper our investment plans, it will also have a severe economic impact on our Nepali content creators, especially young adults. Nepali businesses, who have relied heavily on TikTok, use our platform to market their products and keep their businesses afloat. As a result of this ban, these businesses will be significantly affected as well.”

"User safety is TikTok's top priority. We are committed to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for our community,” it said. “As a global platform, we have thousands of people across the globe where TikTok operates working to maintain a safe environment for our users. We address content and behavior that violate our Community Guidelines through a combination of policies, technology, and moderation, which may include removing contents and accounts.”

The email further states that a team of TikTok had visited Nepal on November 3, 2023 and held a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs for Cyber Crime Control and Cyber Security.

During the meeting, the team presented detailed working progress, moderation process and collaboration commitment with the government of Nepal.

“We conducted an Internet Safety Summit in Kathmandu on October 5, 2023 in presence of a wide range of stakeholders including non-profits, TikTok creators, civil society, law enforcement officials and government representatives,” the email further reads.

“We signed an MoU with Nepal Telecommunications Authority on October 5, 2023 to jointly conduct an internet safety awareness campaign in Nepal.”

“We opened up the access of the ‘Trust and Safety Enforcement Tool’ to the Government of Nepal on June 7, 2023 to ensure the government can report any content that they find is violative of local laws.”

It also stated that TikTok was registered as a Digital Service Tax payer in Nepal on August 29, 2023.

“We proactively removed 2.98 million videos from our platform in Nepal between October 2022 to June 2023 for violating our Community Guidelines.”

“We conducted multiple physical workshops for NTA, CIB and Cyber Bureau to enhance their knowledge and understanding of our platform. We also opened up the ‘Trust and Safety Enforcement Tool for Cyber Security recently,” according to the letter.

“Furthermore, the decision to ban TikTok contradicts the Government of Nepal’s current continued engagement with us.”

The government of Nepal has decided to ban TikTok, citing concerns about its impact on social harmony.

The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting held today at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar, Rekha Sharma, Minister for Communications and Information Technology and the government's spokesperson, said.

According to Sharma, TikTok is consistently disseminating propaganda that disrupts family structures and social relations, prompting the government to take temporary measures to regain control. "We have decided to halt TikTok for the time being to address this issue," she stated.

The Cabinet meeting instructed the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to oversee the technical aspects of this decision.

Sharma explained, "The decision to ban TikTok was made today, and relevant authorities are currently addressing the technical details. The Communication Ministry and the Nepal Telecommunication Authority have already initiated preparations. It is likely that the decision will be implemented as early as today."