Somalia Govt Bans TikTok, Telegram Apps Over Insecurity Concerns

• Federal Government of Somalia ordered network providers to block TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBET to counter terrorism and immoral content
• Communications and Technology Minister Jama Khalif complained that its users misused the apps
• Jama gave the network providers till Thursday to effect the ban, saying it is a decisive action to safeguard the country

Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has written to the country's network provider asking them to ban the usage of popular applications TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBET.

The Minister of Communication and Technology, Jama Hassan Khalif, announced the decision as part of an overarching strategy to address threats posed by terrorist groups. He also said the platforms were destroying the country's moral fabric.

"Stop applications such as 1XBET, TELEGRAM & TIKTOK. By accelerating the fight against and elimination of terrorists who are used to shedding the blood of the Somali nation," a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke said.

The ban on these applications is a proactive measure to counteract the misuse of technology by individuals and groups involved in acts of violence.

Minister Khalif underscored the urgency of addressing this concern, emphasising that it was imperative to accelerate efforts against those responsible for bloodshed in the nation.

"Based on the ongoing violations of the Somali community by terrorist organisations, which has affected the safety and stability of the community and violates Article 10 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, which defines the duty to protect human dignity," Khalif directed.

The ongoing violations and attacks by terrorist organisations have gravely impacted the safety and stability of Somali communities.

The Federal Republic of Somalia, Ministry of Communications & Technology Office, has issued a directive requiring the websites mentioned above to be shut down by Thursday, August 24, at 11:30pm.

Minister Khalif emphasised that compliance with this directive is not optional.

"Therefore, you are instructed to close the above-mentioned websites no later than Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 11:30 p.m. Anyone who fails to comply with this order will be subject to clear legal action according to Good cooperation," Khalif signed out.

Those who fail to adhere to the order will face legal consequences in line with the law.

Petition to ban TikTok in Kenya

A Kenyan has petitioned the National Assembly to ban TikTok, a popular social media platform with young people.

The petitioner, Bob Ndolo, CEO of Bridget Connect Consultancy, claims that TikTok promotes violence, explicit sexual content, hate speech, vulgar language, and offensive behaviour among young people.

He also alleges that the Communications Authority (CA) has not done enough to regulate the platform.