In What Countries Is TikTok Banned?
TikTok, the Chinese social media app, has become immensely popular all around the world. However, its popularity is often overshadowed by the controversies surrounding its security concerns. Governments of various countries have raised questions about the security of data collected by TikTok.
As a result, some countries have banned the app outright. Here are some countries where TikTok is banned or blocked:
- India:
In 2020, India banned TikTok and other Chinese apps citing security concerns. The government alleged that these apps were involved in stealing and transmitting user data to servers outside India. The decision was widely supported by the public, and alternatives like Instagram Reels and Chingari have gained popularity since the ban.
- Pakistan:
TikTok was temporarily banned in Pakistan in 2020 over concerns about vulgar and indecent content on the app. The app was restored after TikTok’s management promised to moderate content that the Pakistani government deems inappropriate.
- Bangladesh:
The Bangladesh government banned TikTok in 2019, considering ‘negative effects’ that the app can have, mainly on young people. However, the policy governing the prohibition of any social media app is fluid, and the ban could be lifted at any time.
- United States:
In 2020, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban TikTok in the US, citing concerns that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, could use the app to collect American users’ data. However, the ban did not come to fruition, and TikTok has continued to work in the United States.
- Iran:
The government of Iran banned TikTok in 2020, citing concerns about the spread of Western values and culture in the country. Nevertheless, the ban wasn’t effective, and TikTok continues to work in Iran.
