The Somali government has recently enforced a ban on popular social media platforms TikTok and Telegram, as well as the online-betting website 1XBet. The ban aims to curb the dissemination of inappropriate content and propaganda, according to the country’s Minister of Communications, Jama Hassan Khalif.
In a statement, Minister Khalif explained, “The Minister of Communications has ordered internet companies to cease the usage of the aforementioned applications, which are often exploited by terrorists and immoral groups to perpetuate the circulation of shocking imagery and misleading information among the general public.”
Notably, the insurgent group al Shabaab frequently leverages TikTok and Telegram to share updates on their activities.
This ban comes in the wake of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent announcement regarding a military offensive against al Shabaab, with the objective of eliminating the al Qaeda-affiliated group within the next five months.
Internet service providers have been given until August 24 to comply with this order.
Additionally, the online-betting platform 1XBet, which is popular among Somalians, will also be affected by this ban, particularly impacting its users’ ability to bet on soccer matches.
It is worth noting that TikTok has faced threats of bans in the United States due to concerns over its alleged connections to the Chinese government. The state of Montana was the first to prohibit the app in May.
Reuters/NAN
