Somalia has banned TikTok

Somalia has banned TikTok, messaging app Telegram and online-betting website 1XBet to limit the spread of indecent content and propaganda, its communications minister said.

“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 in a statement late on Sunday. Members of insurgent group al Shabaab 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 Shabaab aims to eliminate the al Qaeda-linked group in the next five months. TikTok, Telegram and 1XBet did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.

The order gave internet service providers until August 24 to comply. 1XBet is popular in Somalia for betting, especially on soccer matches. TikTok has been threatened with bans in the United States over its alleged ties to the Chinese government. The state of Montana became the first to ban the app in May.

Source: Reuters

In other news – Ron Cephas Jones Dead at 66

The This Is Us family is mourning the loss of Ron Cephas Jones. The actor, who won two Emmys for his guest role of William Hill on the NBC drama series and recently starred on the Apple TV+ series Truth Be Told, died at age 66 from a “long-standing pulmonary issue,” his rep said Aug. 19.

Ron survived by his daughter and fellow Emmy winner, Jasmine Cephas Jones, who shared a throwback pic of the two a day after the actor’s death on her Instagram Stories. Read more