Somali News in English | The Somali Digest

Facebook Twitter Instagram Telegram Whatsapp
somali-digest-logo
Menu
  • Top Stories
  • Somalia FMS News
    • Galmudug News
    • Hirshabelle News
    • Jubaland News
    • Puntland News
    • Southwest Somalia News
    • Somaliland News
    • SSC Somalia News
  • Somalia Politics News
    • Economy & Development
    • Education & Youth
    • Health & Environment
    • Society & Culture
  • Somalia Security News
Home Features

Somalia bans TikTok and Telegram over alleged horrific content

Editor by Editor
August 23, 2023
in Features, Rule of Law & Corruption, Society & Culture, Somalia Politics News
1
Content creators decry Somalia's TikTok ban
26
SHARES
176
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

In a bizarre move, Somalia bans 1XBet, TikTok and Telegram over alleged ‘horrific’ content and spreading misinformation. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) decided to curb the dissemination of what it called ‘indecent content’ and terrorism by banning some of the popular internet platforms. Internet service providers in Somalia have until 24 August to comply with the ban.

Mogadishu, SOMALIA. By Yahya: 

The country’s Minister of Communications & Technology, Jama Hassan Khalif, announced a ban on TikTok, the messaging app Telegram, and the online betting website 1XBet in a statement late on Sunday. “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.”

While the terrorist group al-Shabaab frequently uses social platforms, including TikTok and Telegram, it remains unclear what precisely the Minister meant by the other “immoral groups spreading horrific images”. The ban has raised questions about its real intentions, as experts point out that it cannot in any way affect the terrorists’ propaganda.

Targeting al-Shabaab’s communication?

First, repressive regimes trying to restrict citizens’ access to information have taught the citizens to bypass these draconian restrictions. The popular way of doing that is by using the Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN allows for establishing a protected network connection when using public networks. VPN encrypts the internet traffic and disguises an individual’s online identity. It is popular in places like China, where the government restricts access to different social platforms. VPNs are popular in Somalia, too. 

Secondly, if the Somali government claims it targets terrorism, it should be noted that al-Shabaab does not rely solely on Telegram and TikTok. As the recent study by Georgia Gilroy revealed, al-Shabaab reaches far beyond the two. It frequently uses Facebook, YouTube or Twitter, with the group’s influencers likely testing the platforms’ commitments to continued moderation. Facebook is by far the most popular social network in Africa and is known for having trouble catching up with moderation efforts.

TikTok faces potential ban in the U.S., too

Somalia’s ban on these platforms reflects a growing concern that extends beyond its borders. The concerns differ in their reasoning, however. In the United States, for instance, TikTok has faced potential bans due to alleged connections to the Chinese government. While such bans intend to address national security concerns, they also raise questions about citizens’ rights to access information, communicate, and express themselves online.

Read also: EDITORIAL: Abdirahman Adala – Somalia’s Head of Disinformation

Tags: al-ShabaabMinistry of CommunicationsSomaliaTelegramTikTok
Previous Post

Officers foiled al-Shabaab attack on Mandera police camp

Next Post

Police officer injured after clash with drunk soldiers in Garowe

Editor

Editor

Next Post
Police officer injured after clash

Police officer injured after clash with drunk soldiers in Garowe

Please login to join discussion

Latest News

  • All
  • Education & Youth
  • Features
  • Galmudug News
  • Hirshabelle News
  • Kenya
  • Somalia Politics News
  • Rule of Law & Corruption
  • Society & Culture
JSP Somalia Mogadishu NCC Hassan Sheikh
Features

NCC Rebranded as Ruling Party as President Launches Bid for Reelection

by Jama
May 14, 2025
0

Somalia’s National Consultative Conference (NCC) has shed its advisory skin and reemerged as the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), a...

Read moreDetails
Somalia Mogadishu NCC

Mogadishu Warned Over Unilateral Reforms as Al-Shabab Gains Ground

May 9, 2025
President Deni Somalia Puntland

President Deni Rejects NCC, Sets New Regional Priorities for Puntland

April 26, 2025
AUSSOM Somalia Al-Shabab

Somalia and AU Reverse Drawdown with Proposed 8,000-Troop Surge

April 26, 2025
Al-Shabab Somalia Wargadhi

Wargaadhi Base Briefly Overrun by Al-Shabaab

April 24, 2025
The-somali-digest-logo2

Welcome to The Somali Digest, your premier online source for all things Somali. Our mission is to provide you with the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful news and features regarding Somalia and its diaspora.

Important Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Newsletter

Useful Link

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Help/FAQ
Facebook Instagram Telegram Whatsapp

©2023 The Somali Digest. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
    • Home – Layout 1

© 2023 The Somali Digest. All Right Reserved.