The Federal Republic of Somalia is the newest nation to ban cryptocurrency-friendly messaging app Telegram, alongside TikTok social media app and the online-betting website 1XBet.
Somalia’s Ministry of Communications and Expertise (MOCT) formally introduced on Aug. 20 that the federal government is shutting down Telegram, TikTok and 1XBet.
On Sunday, MOCT Minister Jama Hassan Khalif held a gathering on telecommunications and web safety in social media with the Nationwide Communications Company and main Somali telecom companies. The minister stated that the federal government of Somalia is “working to protect the tradition of Somali society,” as telecom and web units have “affected existence and elevated unhealthy habits.”
The announcement by MOCT reads:
“It was thought of essential to close down TikTok, Telegram and 1XBet playing tools, which had an affect on Somali youth, inflicting a few of them to die.”
In line with on-line experiences, Somalia’s transfer to ban TikTok, Telegram and 1XBet additionally goals to restrict the unfold of indecent content material and propaganda.
“The minister of communications orders web corporations to cease the aforementioned functions, which terrorists and immoral teams use to unfold fixed horrific pictures and misinformation to the general public,” Khalif reportedly stated. He added that Telegram and different functions have been ordered to droop their operations in Somalia by Aug. 24. “Anybody who doesn’t observe this order will face clear and applicable authorized measures,” the official reportedly said.
The Ministry of Telecommunications and Expertise publicizes the ban of #TikTok, #Telegram and on-line betting platform of 1Xbet, a transfer to counter and stop indecent actions & contents, and extremism propaganda.#Somalia pic.twitter.com/dphcpuH18a
— SNTV Information (@sntvnews1) August 20, 2023
It’s not instantly clear whether or not Somalia’s choice to ban Telegram and different platforms have any implications for the nation’s cryptocurrency adoption. In the same method to many international locations in Africa, investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) is not banned in Somalia. Within the meantime, many international jurisdictions typically argue that crypto is related to terrorism financing dangers.
The MOCT didn’t instantly reply to Cointelegraph’s request for remark. This text shall be up to date pending new data.
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The information comes only 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 private information and safety considerations.
In April, Telegram was quickly suspended throughout Brazil as authorities have been investigating neo-Nazi teams that have been reported to make use of the messaging platform to incite college assaults. Telegram was reportedly fined roughly $186 million for not complying with an investigation into neo-Nazi actions on the platform.
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