The Senegalese government has upheld the ban it imposed on the social media platform TikTok back in August.
Officials had implemented the ban, alleging that TikTok had become a platform of choice for individuals spreading hateful and subversive messages that posed a threat to the country’s stability.
Senegal’s Communications Minister, Moussa Bocar Thiam, stated on Thursday that TikTok would only be reinstated if the company agreed to a pact allowing for the removal of accounts promoting what he referred to as inflammatory content.
“For the time being, the restriction is being maintained pending the conclusion of a comprehensive written agreement,” Mr Thiam said, following discussions with representatives of the company.
The ban on TikTok was prompted by the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko.
Government officials asserted that the app had been employed to disseminate “hateful and subversive messages,” which contributed to the country’s instability amid the violent protests triggered by Mr. Sonko’s detention.
Furthermore, the government has stipulated that TikTok must commit to providing equitable compensation to its Senegalese content creators as a condition for reinstatement.