Somalia has banned video platform TikTok, messaging app Telegram, and online betting website 1XBet to limit the spread of indecent content and propaganda, its communications minister has said in a statement. The order gave internet service providers until August 24 to comply. “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 minister, Jama Hassan Khalif, said late on Sunday. Members of the armed group al-Shabab often post about their activities on TikTok and Telegram. The decision comes days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said a military offensive against al-Shabab aims to eliminate the al-Qaeda-linked group in the next five months. TikTok declined to comment, saying it is awaiting official communication about the ban. Telegram said in a statement it “consistently removes terrorist propaganda in Somalia and worl...
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