TikTok deletes selective videos on Unification Church–Nepal Leaders issue, Bias concerns rise ahead of HoR elections

KATHMANDU: A growing controversy has erupted in Nepal’s digital space after multiple TikTok users claimed the platform deleted or restricted videos discussing alleged links between the Korean Unification Church and Nepal’s then–Prime Minister and other political leaders. The issue is rapidly becoming a major topic in Nepal politics, social media regulation, digital rights, and election integrity debates.

Over the past few days, Nepali TikTok creators say their content questioning political accountability and referencing investigative materials about the Unification Church was removed for allegedly violating “community guidelines.” However, TikTok’s Nepal office has not issued any detailed or official public explanation on what specific rule or “local protocol” was breached.

One creator, Aakrosh Shrestha, who has more than 75,000 followers on TikTok, said he produced videos based on a 3,212-page leaked document reported to be linked to the Korean Center for Investigative Journalism (Newstapa). His videos reportedly discussed CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, other UML members, and Nepal Family Party Chair Ek Nath Dhakal. According to him, the videos remained live for only a few hours before becoming inaccessible from Nepal and some other countries.

When he sought clarification, TikTok reportedly informed him that the video was banned under “Nepal local protocol” but did not specify which regulation or legal framework applied. This lack of transparency has triggered serious questions about content moderation, platform governance, and freedom of expression in Nepal’s digital ecosystem.

Rising Public Interest After Media Reports

Public attention intensified after several media outlets published investigative reports on the alleged Nepal connection to the Unification Church. Since then, other TikTok users claim that when they attempt to post related content, the platform either limits views, places the video under review instantly, or blocks uploads entirely.

“This is extremely strange. If users are prevented from discussing public-interest political issues, what is the platform trying to do? We should have freedom of expression,” one TikTok user said on condition of anonymity, adding that they fear account suspension or other consequences.

Political Timing Raises Questions

Observers note that TikTok was officially registered in Nepal during the tenure of then–Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a point now being widely discussed online. While there is no direct evidence of political interference, the timing has fueled speculation in an already sensitive political environment.

The controversy has grown further because TikTok recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) to support election integrity, responsible digital engagement, and misinformation control. A TikTok delegation also conducted an Election Integrity Workshop focused on combating misinformation and strengthening understanding of electoral processes.

Digital Rights vs. Election Integrity

This situation places TikTok at the center of a complex global debate involving social media regulation, platform accountability, AI-driven content moderation, misinformation control, democracy, and free speech. While platforms worldwide face pressure to prevent harmful or false election content, over-enforcement or opaque moderation can create perceptions of political bias or digital censorship.

In Nepal’s case, users are now questioning whether TikTok will provide a fair and open platform during the election period, especially when discussions involve powerful political figures and sensitive international connections. Concerns are growing that if political content is selectively restricted, public discourse and democratic transparency could be affected.

TikTok’s Nepal PR head, Nidha Shah, declined to comment in detail when approached, saying the issue could not be discussed at the moment.

As Nepal moves closer to key political milestones, the central question remains: Can global tech platforms balance election integrity, misinformation control, and freedom of expression without appearing to take sides in domestic politics?