Why has Somalia banned TikTok?

What in the World

• Episode: Why has Somalia banned TikTok?
• Website: What in the World
• Feed URL: https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/w13xtvrv.rss
• Duration: 00:11:37
• Published: 2023-08-22 18:11

Somalia’s government has banned TikTok, Telegram, and online betting website 1XBet.

It says it’s to ‘limit terrorists and immoral groups spreading constant horrific images and misinformation to the public’.

Lots of users rely on TikTok for income, entertainment, and to stay informed. Many have been posting their shock online using the hashtag #tiktokban.

So, in this episode we’re asking: Why is Somalia banning these apps? And why are some TikTokers threatening to take to the streets?

BBC Somali’s Fardowsa Hanshi has spoken to the country’s communications minister and prominent TikTokers in Somalia - including Abdisalam Abukar who has 1.5 million followers.

Fardowsa joins us from Nairobi to explain.

Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Mora Morrison and William Lee Adams Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks