Somalia Orders Ban on TikTok and Telegrams

Somalia has announced a ban on social media platforms TikTok and telegram and the online betting platform 1xbet.

The government says these platforms are being used by “terrorists and groups responsible for spreading immorality… to spread graphic clips, photos and mislead society”.

However, it comes as Somalia announces an ambitious target to crush the Al-Shabab militant group, which still controls large swathes of the country, within the next five months.

Internet service providers are required to implement the ban by 24 august or face unspecified legal action, the ministry of communications and technology said in a statement.

Also, 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 late on Sunday.

Members of the armed group al-Shabab often post about their activities on TikTok and Telegram.

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Meanwhile, the decision comes days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said a military offensive against al-Shabab aims to eliminate the al-Qaeda-linked group in the next five months.

TikTok declined to comment, saying it is awaiting official communication about the ban.

Telegram said in a statement it “consistently removes terrorist propaganda in Somalia and worldwide”. It added it “actively moderated” harmful content on its platform.