Tiktok, Telegram and online betting platform 1XBet have been banned in Somalia over claims of misinformation, indecent content and propaganda.
The country's Minister of Communications Jama Hassan Khalif alleged in a statement that these social media platforms are being used by terrorists and other groups "responsible for spreading immorality" by sharing graphic clips and photos, thereby reportedly misleading society.
"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," the statement read.
The ban follows a conference on communications, internet and social media security organized by the Ministry of Communications and Technology, which led to the directive. During the conference held in the capital, Mogadishu, government officials argued that the social media platforms have negative effects on the younger generation.
According to the ministry, the ban on TikTok, Telegram and 1XBet comes in response to growing concerns about their potential negative impact on the lives of Somali youth. Khalif underlined that the move is aimed at protecting "the moral behavior of the Somali community when using communication and internet tools."
The ministry noted that internet service providers must implement the ban by August 24 or face unspecified legal action.
TikTok, known for its viral and short-form content, has been recently criticized by several African governments, which highlighted the social network's destructive influence. They alleged that TikTok encourages trends and behavior that threaten national stability and peace.
Kenya's National Assembly is similarly considering a petition to ban TikTok due to a lack of regulation and concerns about explicit content. The petition claimed that it undermines the cultural and religious morality of Kenyans by promoting hate speech and violence.
Telegram has also caused security concerns across Africa as it could be used to facilitate illegal activities, while 1XBet has raised worries over the potential for gambling addiction among young people.
* al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda and Daesh (ISIL/ ISIS/ IS) are terrorist groups banned in Russia and many other countries