Somalia bans TikTok, Telegram, 1XBet, over horrific contents, misinformation

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THE Somalian government has banned TikTok, Telegram and online-betting website, 1XBet, adding that the ban is aimed at curbing the spread of horrific contents and misinformation in the country.

According to Reuters, the development was disclosed in a statement by its communications minister, Jama Hassan Khalif.

Khalif stated that the said apps were responsible for indecent content, and helping terrorists spread “horrific” messages to the public, Reuters reports.

READ : TikTok announces measures to combat misinformation, hate speech ahead of Pakistan elections

The order gave internet service providers until August 24, 2023  to comply.

“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,” part of the statement read.

Members of insurgent group, al Shabaab, 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 Shabaab aims to eliminate the al Qaeda-linked group in the next five months.

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

TikTok, a Chinese owned video-sharing company, has been banned in several countries due to security concerns and the platform’s alleged sharing of users’ data with the Chinese government.

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Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.

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