Somalia has banned TikTok, messaging app Telegram, and online-betting website 1XBet to limit the spread of indecent content and propaganda.
Somali communications minister, Jama Hassan Khalif, made this known in a statement on Monday, August 21, 2023.
“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,” Khalif stated.
Members of the insurgent group, al Shabaab, often post about their activities on TikTok and Telegram.
READ ALSO: Montana becomes first U.S. state to ban TikTok
The decision comes days after Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, said a military offensive against al Shabaab aims to eliminate the al Qaeda-linked group in the next five months.
The order gave internet service providers until August 24 to comply.
1XBet is popular in Somalia for betting, especially on soccer matches.
TikTok has been threatened with bans in the United States over its alleged ties to the Chinese government.
Montana became the first state in U.S. to ban the app in May.
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