In a recent move, the Federal Republic of Somalia has joined the ranks of nations taking steps to restrict digital influence. Somali National Television (SNTV) has reported on prohibiting the widely used cryptocurrency-friendly messaging app Telegram, the social media platform TikTok, and the online-betting site 1XBet.
The Ministry of Telecommunications and Technology announces the ban of #TikTok, #Telegram and online betting platform of 1Xbet, a move to counter and prevent indecent activities & contents, and extremism propaganda.#Somalia pic.twitter.com/dphcpuH18a
— SNTV News (@sntvnews1) August 20, 2023
The Ministry of Communications and Technology (MOCT) of Somalia declared on August 20th the shutdown of Telegram, TikTok, and 1XBet, asserting its concern over the influence of these platforms on the nation’s youth and society. The announcement followed a meeting led by MOCT Minister Jama Hassan Khalif involving the National Communications Agency and major Somali telecom firms. Minister Khalif emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving Somali culture in light of the impact of telecommunication and internet devices on societal norms. According to MOCT’s statement,
It was considered important to shut down TikTok, Telegram and 1XBet gambling equipment, which had an impact on Somali youth, causing some of them to die.
Minister Khalif asserted that Telegram and other applications were directed to cease their operations in Somalia by August 24, warning of legal consequences for non-compliance. However, the implications of this move on Somalia’s cryptocurrency adoption remain uncertain. Unlike the platform ban, the nation has not prohibited investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, the association of crypto with terrorism financing risks has been a topic of international debate.
Interestingly, this development follows closely on the heels of Iraq’s decision to lift its ban on Telegram in mid-August, having initially blocked the messaging app due to personal data and security concerns.
In April, Brazil witnessed a temporary suspension of Telegram due to ongoing investigations into the alleged involvement of neo-Nazi factions using the messaging platform to instigate school assaults. Telegram faced a substantial fine of around $186 million for its non-cooperation with the inquiry into neo-Nazi actions conducted on its platform.
The global landscape of tech regulation continues to evolve, with various nations grappling with the balance between digital innovation, security, and societal norms. Somalia’s ban on Telegram, TikTok, and 1XBet underscores the nation’s resolve to assert control over technology’s impact on its youth and cultural fabric, raising questions about the broader implications for digital freedom and cryptocurrency adoption in the region.
