Somalia’s govt says it intends to shut down access to TikTok, Telegram over content concerns

Mogadishu: Somalia’s government says it intends to shut down access to certain social media platforms including TikTok and Telegram, which authorities believe disproportionately harm youth. The announcement late Sunday by the ministry of communications and technology came after a meeting convened by Minister Jama Hassan Khalif amid concerns that the platforms can spread extremist content, nude images and other material seen as offensive to Somali culture and Islam. The ministry statement also cited gambling platform 1XBET.

This is the first official attempt by a government institution in Somalia to shut down any platform on social media. The decision will take effect on Aug 24. It would require the compliance of privately run telecom companies.