Social Media
No more TikTok: These other countries have also banned the app
A TikTok ban is set to take effect in the U.S. unless the Supreme Court steps in. Here are the countries that have prohibited the use of the platform.

TikTok, the popular short-form video-sharing app owned by Beijing-headquartered company ByteDance, is set to be banned in the United States on Jan. 19, 2025.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on the law calling for its prohibition a few days ago, and the court needs to issue a ruling soon, since the ban will take effect in only a matter of days.
The app, which has more than 170 million monthly users in the U.S., has said it would shut down operations in the country on Jan. 19 if the Supreme Court does not overturn the law banning it, or delay its effectivity date.
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Supporters of the legislation argue that TikTok presents a national security threat, expressing worries the Chinese government could use the platform to spy on Americans.
TikTok executives and users for their part say banning the app is a violation of the First Amendment.
As the bill currently stands, if ByteDance does not sell the company by Sunday, the app will be banned from the country.
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It’s not the first time TikTok has met with such resistance. The app has faced bans and restrictions in various countries and organizations due to concerns over data privacy, national security, and content regulation.
Countries with full bans against TikTok
Afghanistan
The Taliban banned TikTok in 2022, claiming the app misled younger generations and was not in line with Islamic values.
India
India imposed a permanent ban on TikTok and several other Chinese apps in 2020, citing national security and privacy concerns following a border clash with China.
Iran
The app is not available in the country, where the totalitarian government has prohibited almost all major social media platforms.
Kyrgyzstan
The Kyrgyz government issued a directive to block TikTok inside the country, citing concerns over the platform’s effects on the mental health of children.
Nepal
TikTok was banned for disrupting “social harmony” and spreading malicious content, according to government officials.
Somalia
In 2023, Somalia’s communications ministry announced a ban on TikTok, citing the spread of propaganda and indecent content.
Countries with partial bans or restrictions on TikTok
In a number of countries, TikTok has been banned from being installed on devices used by government workers due to fears of security breaches.
Australia
In 2023, Australia banned TikTok on government devices, including the mobile phones of politicians, due to security concerns.
Belgium
Work phones of government officials were prohibited from downloading the platform.
Canada
The country banned the TikTok from government mobile devices as precaution against privacy and security risk.
Denmark
The country’s Defense Ministry urged its staff members to remove the app as soon as possible due to security considerations.
United Kingdom
The U.K. has banned TikTok on government staff phones due to security concerns, but it remains available to the public.
European Union
E.U. institutions have implemented bans on TikTok for staff devices, citing cybersecurity concerns.
New Zealand
In 2023, New Zealand’s Parliamentary Service banned TikTok on devices connected to Parliament, citing security concerns.
Reasons for bans and restrictions on TikTok
Data privacy and security
There are worries TikTok’s data collection practices could allow the Chinese government access to user information, posing national security risks.
Content regulation
TikTok has been linked to the spread of misinformation, propaganda, and content deemed inappropriate or harmful, leading some countries to restrict the app to protect public well-being.
Geopolitical tensions
In some cases, bans have been influenced by broader geopolitical conflicts and diplomatic relations, as seen in India’s ban following border clashes with China.
The status of TikTok bans and restrictions can change or evolve over time, as governments and organizations continue to assess the app’s impact on security and society.
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