Somalia bans TikTok, Telegram and 1XBet

To limit what it calls the spread of indecent content and propaganda, Somalia has banned video platform TikTok, messaging app Telegram and online-betting website 1XBet.

"We have planned to restrict access to TikTok, Telegram, and 1xbet due to concerns related to the spread of explicit content, blackmail, and the promotion of gambling," said Communications Minister Jama Hassan Khalif in a statement.

Furthermore, the minister has suggested that "terrorists and immoral groups" are using such platforms "to spread constant horrific images and misinformation to the public". Internet service providers have until August 24, 2023 to comply with the ruling.

"These platforms have had a detrimental impact on our youth and have been misused to harm many individuals in recent years," the minister added.

According to Reuters, Telegram has said it consistently removes terrorist propaganda in Somalia and worldwide and 1XBet is popular in Somalia for betting, especially on soccer matches.

The video platform TikTok has been threatened with bans in the United States over its alleged ties to the Chinese government and it was banned by the state of Montana in May 2023.

African governments banning Internet platforms

Somalia is not the first country to have similar sanctions on either Internet access or Internet platforms.

In June this year, Senegal cut access to mobile Internet services in certain areas and at certain times, following violent protests.

That protest began after an opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, was sentenced to two years in prison.

Internet service providers have until August 24, 2023, to comply with the ruling. (Source: Image by Freepik)

Zambia shut down the Internet in 2021 during the country's elections.

During the same year, mobile operator MTN was taken to court in Eswatini for blocking Internet services to its users in the country during a week of anti-monarchy protests.

Furthermore, during Uganda's elections in 2021, the country's communications regulator ordered Internet service providers to block all social media platforms and messaging apps. After the death of a protester in a scuffle with police in 2021, Senegal blocked social media apps.

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*Top image source: Image by www.slon.pics on Freepik.

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa