In a move signaling deeper integration into Bhutan’s digital landscape, two high-ranking officials from TikTok’s South Asia headquarters embarked on a three-day visit to the Himalayan kingdom from January 7 to 9. The delegation, comprising Ferdous Al Mottakin, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, and Gautam Vohra, Head of Legal Operations, engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at forging a strategic partnership with Bhutan’s regulatory bodies.
Facilitated by the Bhutan Information, Communication, and Media Authority (BICMA), the visit underscored TikTok’s commitment to aligning with Bhutanese regulations and supporting the nation’s burgeoning digital economy. “TikTok has become an integral part of daily life here, resonating with users across all age groups—from schoolchildren to adults,” stated Jigme Wangdi, Director of BICMA. “Our goal was to gain a thorough understanding of TikTok’s operational dynamics and establish a direct line of communication to effectively address any future concerns.”
During their stay, Al Mottakin and Vohra met with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, the GovTech Agency, the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), various youth organizations, and prominent local influencers. These meetings focused on TikTok’s evolution from a popular entertainment platform to a vital tool for content creation, product promotion, and economic development.
A significant portion of the discussions revolved around TikTok’s content moderation strategies. The platform employs a sophisticated, multi-tiered approach that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to filter content, supplemented by human moderators who review flagged material. “Our system handles the bulk of content moderation efficiently,” explained Wangdi. “However, the absence of Dzongkha language experts within TikTok’s moderation team presents a unique challenge that we aim to address collaboratively.”
BICMA highlighted the frequency of complaints related to TikTok content, noting that civil disputes are typically managed internally, while more severe criminal issues are referred to law enforcement agencies. The authority expressed a strong interest in working alongside TikTok to ensure the platform remains a safe and creative environment, contributing positively to Bhutan’s digital transformation.
This initiative follows Nepal’s recent decision to officially register TikTok, ensuring the platform complies with local laws and collaborates with the Cyber Bureau to manage unlawful content. While Bhutan has yet to make a similar move, Wangdi emphasized that discussions are ongoing and that no final decision has been reached.
The Royal Bhutan Police also participated in the dialogue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a responsible online ecosystem and preventing the exploitation of social media by criminals and human traffickers. A joint Facebook statement from the RBP reaffirmed the shared commitment to safeguarding digital spaces and encouraging positive social media engagement among Bhutanese citizens.
Despite the constructive nature of the talks, TikTok officials declined to speak with the media during their visit. BICMA representatives explained that any media interactions require prior approval from TikTok’s main office, leaving outlets like Kuensel without direct commentary from the delegation.
The timing of TikTok’s visit comes amid a regional backdrop of increased scrutiny and regulation of social media platforms. India, a neighboring giant, imposed a ban on TikTok in 2020 due to security and privacy concerns, reflecting a broader trend of governments seeking greater control over digital content and user data.
As Bhutan navigates its path towards digital modernization, the potential partnership with TikTok could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s online landscape. By fostering collaboration between government authorities and global tech companies, Bhutan aims to harness the benefits of digital platforms while ensuring they operate within a framework that upholds national values and security.
With TikTok’s widespread popularity and BICMA’s proactive regulatory stance, the partnership could set a precedent for responsible digital engagement in Bhutan, balancing innovation with necessary oversight to support the nation’s growth in the digital age.
