Here are all the countries and territories that have banned TikTok — and why
By Carl Samson
August 23, 2023
Nearly two dozen countries and territories have enforced varying degrees of restrictions against TikTok. Most of them cite privacy and security concerns as the video-sharing app continues to face global speculation over its alleged ties to the Chinese government.
Below are the governments that have imposed full, partial and temporary bans on TikTok.
Full bans
- Afghanistan: The Taliban leadership of Afghanistan banned TikTok in April 2022. A spokesperson said the app’s “filthy content was not consistent with Islamic laws” and that it was “misleading the younger generation.”
- India: India implemented a blanket ban against TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps in 2020. It claimed that the programs engaged in activities that are “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.”
- Somalia: Somalia banned TikTok, Telegram and online betting website 1XBet this month to purge terrorist-related content. According to the government, the programs are being used by terrorists to spread “horrific images and misinformation to the public.”
- Jordan: TikTok is still banned in Jordan following a temporary ban that was initially announced in December 2022.
Partial bans
- Australia: Australia banned TikTok from all federal devices on April 4. It cited security concerns.
- Canada: Canada banned TikTok from all government devices in February. It cited privacy and security concerns.
- Denmark: Denmark’s Defense Ministry banned employees from downloading TikTok on issued devices in March. It cited security concerns.
- European Union: The EU’s three main institutions — the European Parliament, European Commission and EU Council — have all banned TikTok on issued devices in February, citing security concerns. The Parliament went further to “strongly recommend” removing the app from personal devices.
- Ireland: Ireland banned TikTok from government devices in April. It cited privacy and security concerns.
- New Zealand: New Zealand’s parliament banned TikTok on government devices in March. It cited security concerns.
- Norway: Norway’s government and parliament banned TikTok on issued devices in March. National intelligence services singled out China and Russia as “main risk factors for Norway’s security interests,” according to the Justice Ministry.
- Taiwan: Taiwan banned TikTok from all government devices in December 2022, citing national security risks. The self-administered island, which China considers a renegade province, has also banned Chinese lifestyle app Xiaohongshu.
- United Kingdom: The U.K. banned TikTok from all government devices in March. It cited security concerns.
- United States: TikTok faces various degrees of restrictions in the U.S., where it has been a subject of years-long national security concerns. The White House, Congress and several agencies have all banned TikTok at the federal level. As of June, 34 out of 50 states have banned TikTok from issued devices. Last week, New York became the latest city to enforce the ban.
Temporary bans
- Bangladesh: Bangladesh first temporarily banned TikTok in 2018 amid efforts to scrub obscene, pornographic and gambling-related content from its internet. A similar ban was reportedly placed in 2021 but was soon lifted after the app vowed to improve content moderation.
- Belgium: Belgium temporarily banned TikTok from all government devices in March, citing security concerns. The ban will remain in effect for at least six months.
- Indonesia: Indonesia temporarily banned TikTok in 2018 for “pornography, inappropriate content and blasphemy.” It revoked the ban shortly after TikTok promised to improve content moderation.
- Pakistan: Pakistan has banned TikTok multiple times since 2020, citing immoral or inappropriate content.
Share this Article
Share this Article
