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| Internet service providers in Somalia must block TikTok and Telegram by August 24. |
Communications Minister Jama Hassan Khalif said he had ordered internet companies to block TikTok, Telegram and a betting website frequently used by terrorist groups to spread horrifying images and false information to the public.
Members of the Shabaab insurgent group frequently use Telegram and TikTok to post about their activities. According to the military command Africa Command (Africom), Al-Shabab is the largest al-Qaeda network in the world.
The Somali government has given internet service providers until August 24 to comply. TikTok declined to comment on the ban, saying it was awaiting official notice. Telegram, meanwhile, said it has been removing terrorist propaganda in Somalia and globally.
Content creators who make money from TikTok and Telegram platforms have expressed concern that the ban will affect their income.
TikTok is also facing the risk of being banned in the US because of its Chinese origin. Montana is the first US state to ban the platform in May 2023. Recently, New York also banned TikTok on public devices due to security issues.
New York City agencies must remove TikTok from government devices within 30 days. City employees are also prohibited from downloading or using the app or accessing TikTok’s website on government-issued devices.
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