Somalia is the latest country to ban cryptocurrency-friendly messaging app Telegram, alongside TikTok social media app and the online-betting site 1XBet.
Somalia’s Ministry of Communications and Technology officially announced on Aug. 20 that the government is shutting down Telegram, TikTok and 1XBet.
On Sunday, MOCT Minister Jama Hassan Khalif held a meeting on telecommunications and internet security in social media with the National Communications Agency and major Somali telecom firms. The minister said that the government of Somalia is “working to preserve the culture of Somali society,” as telecom and internet devices have “affected lifestyles and increased bad habits.”
According to online reports, Somalia’s move to ban TikTok, Telegram and 1XBet also aims to limit the spread of indecent content and propaganda.
“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,” Khalif reportedly said. He added that Telegram and other applications were ordered to suspend their operations in Somalia by Aug. 24. “Anyone who does not follow this order will face clear and appropriate legal measures,” the official reportedly stated.
The news comes just a few days after Iraq’s telecom ministry lifted the ban on Telegram in mid-August. The authority banned the messaging app in early August, citing personal data and security concerns.
In April, Telegram was temporarily suspended across Brazil as authorities were investigating neo-Nazi groups that were reported to use the messaging platform to incite school attacks. Telegram was reportedly fined roughly $186 million for not complying with an investigation into neo-Nazi activities on the platform.
