The Ministry of Communications and Technology in Somalia has issued an order to internet service providers to suspend access to social media platforms TikTok and Telegram, along with the gambling site 1xBet.
Minister of Communications and Technology, Jama Hassan Khalif, issued this directive in a statement released on Sunday, August 20.
The decision was grounded in concerns related to security and counter-terrorism efforts, as well as the perceived adverse influence of these platforms on the lives of Somali youth.
Khalif said Somalia has resorted to the controversial ban to ”protect the moral behavior of the Somali community when using communication and internet tools.”
The statement partly read; “In a bid to accelerate the war and elimination of the terrorists who have shed the blood of the Somali people, the minister of communication and technology instructs companies that provide internet services to suspend TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBET betting applications, which terrorists and groups responsible for spreading immorality use to spread graphic clips, photos and mislead society.”
The ready availability of these platforms has led to a significant increase in their usage among the younger population, sparking apprehensions regarding the potential for adverse influences and exploitation.
In Kenya, the National Assembly is presently examining a petition that calls for a TikTok ban, citing concerns over explicit content and a lack of adequate regulation.