Despite its undisputed success, TikTok is also controversial in many parts of the world.
So, where is TikTok banned?
Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know.
Where Is TikTok Currently Banned?
While not completely banned in Russia, its status is tenuous.
Asthe Guardianreported in March 2022, TikTok only allowed Russian content to feature within the country.
In other countries, however, the controversial app is banned outright.
Here are some of those.
India chose to ban Chinese apps citingconcerns related to TikTok and national security.
TikTok was immensely popular in the country before it was blocked, with over 200 million users.
TikToks ban in India is permanent, and the company has withdrawn from the market.
As of January 2023, the ban hadnt yet come into placeand nobody knows whether itll be permanent.
But since then, Montana has become the first state in the country to ban the app.
The move was met with significant pushback; many Somalis argued that they rely on TikTok to make money.
In addition to TikTok, the Somali government also banned Telegram.
Kyrgyzstan
Also on the list of TikTok-banned countries is Kyrgyzstan, which banned the app in 2023.
The ban is only expected to be temporarybut as of October 2023, it’s still in place.
Which Countries Banned TikTok in the Past?
However, many have since reversed their decision.
Pakistan
The first ban in October 2020 lasted for 10 days and was a result of content deemed inappropriate.
In March 2021, the app was again bannedthis time until April.
Two months later, TikTok was hit with another ban in Pakistan.
However, this one only lasted three days.
The fourth ban occurred in July 2021 and lasted for around four months.
In 2022, however, things were smoother for TikTok in Pakistan.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is another country where TikTok has previously found itself in hot water.
However, that wasnt the last of TikToks run-ins with the Bangladeshi authorities.
Indonesia
Indonesia is another nation that has implemented a TikTok ban in the past.
The government said that users had access to pornography and other inappropriate forms of content.
As a result, TikTok withdrew from the market in October 2023.
Is TikTok Banned in China?
Bytedance, TikToks parent company, has its headquarters in Beijing.
But despite this, TikTok doesnt operate in China.
Instead, users in the country can download an app called Douyin.
The app is similar to TikTok, but you’re free to’t download it outside of China.
Where Are Government Staff Banned From Downloading TikTok?
Doing so will allow you to decide whether you’d like to continue using the app or not.
NATO
In 2023, NATO banned its staff from using TikTok on their work devices.
Like the EU, security was a key reason behind this decision.
The ban covers all employees that can access government systems in the country as well.
Denmark
Denmark is another country that has announced a TikTok ban in some capacity for certain employees.
Canada
Canada announced a TikTok ban on government devices in late February 2023.
Is TikTok getting banned anywhere else?
Well have to wait and see.
