The Somali government recently made an announcement that it plans to block access to certain social media platforms, including TikTok and Telegram. The Minister of Communications & Technology, Jama Hassan Khalif, took to his Twitter account to reveal that the decision was made in order to safeguard the morals and culture of Somali society. This order was issued on August 20, giving the country’s Internet service providers until August 24 to comply. The ban comes amidst concerns over the use of Telegram by extremist groups for secure communications, as well as the misuse of these platforms to harm individuals.
In addition to extremist groups, cybercriminals have also been known to use Telegram for their operations. Kaspersky researchers have discovered instances where phishing kits were sold on the platform, and even provided training for phishers. This raises concerns over the potential risks associated with the use of these social media platforms.
Users attempting to access the blocked apps in Somalia are met with a statement that explains the ban as a measure to combat the spread of horrific content and misinformation by terrorists and immoral groups. Minister Khalif further highlighted that explicit content, blackmail, and the promotion of gambling were among the reasons for the ban. The popular online betting app 1XBet is also scheduled to be blocked, according to We Are Tech Africa.
TikTok has faced bans in several countries on moral grounds. Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India are among the nations that have previously banned the app. The decision by the Somali government to include TikTok in the ban reflects the growing global concern over the content shared on the platform.
Fernando Montenegro, a senior principal analyst at Omdia, acknowledges that there are businesses that rely on apps like Telegram and will be affected by this ban. He points out that while Telegram may not be commonly used as an official communication channel, it can serve as a useful tool for out-of-band communications in scenarios where main communication channels are unavailable. Therefore, the ban could potentially disrupt certain business activities in the country.
Telegram, with its estimated 700 million users globally, attracts a significant number of users from the Middle East and North Africa region, accounting for 8% of its user base. This means that over half a million users in the region will be impacted by the ban.
The Somali government’s decision to block access to certain social media platforms is a step aimed at curbing the spread of harmful content and protecting its society’s values. However, it remains to be seen whether this ban will effectively address the issues of extremism, cybercrime, and explicit content. The move also raises questions about the potential implications for businesses and individuals who rely on these platforms for legitimate purposes. As the ban takes effect, Somalia is now part of a global trend of countries imposing restrictions on social media platforms due to concerns over their content and impact on society.