World

Somalia bans TikTok, Telegram over 'horrific' content

By AAP Newswire

Aug 22, 2023

A Somali minister say apps like TikTok "spread constant horrific images and misinformation". -AP

Somalia has banned TikTok, messaging app Telegram and online betting website 1XBet to limit the spread of indecent content and propaganda, its communications minister says.

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"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 in a statement late on Sunday.

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

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

Telegram said in a statement: "Telegram consistently removes terrorist propaganda in Somalia and worldwide".

It added that it "actively moderated" harmful content on its platform.

TikTok and 1XBet did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

The order gave internet service providers until August 24 to comply.

1XBet is popular in Somalia for betting, especially on football matches.

TikTok has been threatened with bans in the United States over its alleged ties to the Chinese government.

The US state of Montana became the first to ban the app in May.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press