The Somalian government has prohibited the use of popular apps: TikTok, Telegram and online-betting website 1XBet in an effort to reduce the circulation of indecent content and information in the country, according to a report by the communications minister.
Minister Jama Hassan Khalif, had in a statement released late on Sunday, August 20, said:
“The minister of communications directs internet companies to stop the use of the highlighted applications which terrorists and ’vile’ groups have used to spread continuous horrific images and misinformation to the public.”
It is noteworthy to mention that the members of insurgent group al-Shabaab often use the platforms: TikTok and Telegram to post about their activities.
This decision is coming days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had in a military offensive against al Shabaab, aimed to eliminate the al Qaeda-linked group within the next five months.
The spokes representatives for the apps, TikTok, Telegram and 1XBet had not immediately responded to requests for comment as at the time of filing this report.
The prohibition order had given internet service providers until August 24, to abide with the directive.
1XBet is the most liked platform in Somalia for betting, particularly on soccer matches.
A while back, TikTok had been threatened with bans in the United States over its purported ties to the Chinese government. Montana, a state in the US became the first to ban the app back in May.
