Somalia has banned TikTok, Telegram, and online-betting website 1XBet in a bid to curb the spread of indecent content and propaganda in the country.
This announced in a statement signed by the country’s Communication Minister, Jama Hassan Khalif, noting that the an insurgent group al Shabaab often share information of their activities on TikTok and Telegram.
The statement reads in part, “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.”
This is following a statement made by Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who stated that the military offensive against al Shabaab, aims to eliminate the al Qaeda-linked group in the next five months.
The country has given internet service providers until Aug. 24 to comply.
Montana was the first to ban TikTok app in May.
