By REUTERS
Somalia has banned the popular social media platforms TikTok, Telegram, and the betting website 1XBet over concerns about the spread of “horrific” content and misinformation.
The ban was announced by the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Abdirahman Omar Osman, on August 21, 2023. He said that the ban was necessary to protect the country’s youth from harmful content.
“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 late on Sunday.
Members of the insurgent group al Shabaab often post about their activities on TikTok and Telegram.
The decision comes days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said a military offensive against al Shabaab aims to eliminate the al Qaeda-linked group in the next five months.
TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBet did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The order gave internet service providers until Aug. 24 to comply.
1XBet is popular in Somalia for betting, especially on soccer matches.
TikTok has been threatened with bans in the United States over its alleged ties to the Chinese government. The state of Montana became the first to ban the app in May.