Somali Magazine 21 Aug 2023- Somalia will ban TikTok, Telegram, and the online betting platform 1XBet in order to curb the spread of immoral information and propaganda, according to the country’s communications minister.
“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,” Jama Hassan Khalif said late Sunday in a statement.
The decision comes just days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced a military attack against al Shabaab with the goal of eliminating the al Qaeda-linked group within the next five months.
TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBet did not reply to Reuters’ requests for comment right away.
Internet service providers were given until August 24 to comply with the ruling.
1XBet is a popular betting site in Somalia, particularly for football matches.
TikTok has faced prohibitions in the United States because to its claimed links to the Chinese government. In May, Montana became the first state to outlaw the app.