The Ministry of Communications and Technology in Somalia has banned social media platforms, TikTok and Telegram, along with the online betting platform, 1XBET.
Somalia 🇸🇴 has banned #TikTok, messaging app #Telegram and online-betting website #1XBet to limit the spread of indecent content and propaganda, its communications minister said. pic.twitter.com/fKIBe5HQtF
— BitKE (@BitcoinKE) August 25, 2023
The decision was announced by Communications and Technology Minister, Jama Hassan Khalif.
“The Minister of Communications orders internet companies to stop the aforementioned applications, which terrorists and immoral groups use to spread constant horrific images and misinformation to the public,” the Minister, Jama Hassan Khalif, said in a statement.
According to a local report, members of the insurgent group, Al Shabaab, frequently use platforms like TikTok and Telegram to share information about their activities.
Moreover, the ban follows a communication, internet, and social media security conference arranged by the ministry which prompted the issuance of this directive. The ministry emphasized the significance of this decision underscoring the detrimental effects of these platforms on the lives of Somali youth.
Khalif said Somalia has resorted to the ban ‘protect the moral behavior of the Somali community when using communication and internet tools.’
TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform across Africa recognized for its viral challenges and short-form content, has faced criticism from various African governments for promoting trends that could have adverse effects on susceptible individuals.
In neighboring Kenya, the National Assembly recently reviewed a petition calling for a TikTok ban due to concerns about inadequate regulation and explicit content. The petition argues that TikTok’s explicit content goes against Kenya’s cultural and religious values as it promotes violence, hate speech, and vulgarity.
Kenyans are some of the heaviest users of Tiktok in the world with a recent the survey finding that Kenya had a high usage of the social media platforms at 54% while South Africa followed close by at 50%.
Telegram, a messaging application frequently employed for private group conversations, has also sparked security concerns throughout Africa due to its potential to facilitate illicit activities.
On the other hand, 1XBet has raised apprehensions regarding the likelihood of gambling addiction among the youth.
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