Tiktok Banned Countries List, Why Countries Are Trying To Ban Tiktok?
by Rajalaxmi | Updated Mar 08, 2023
Why Countries are trying to ban Tiktok?
TikTok has become a wildly popular social media platform, attracting users from around the world. However, governments in the West have raised concerns about the app's parent company, ByteDance, and the possibility that sensitive user data may end up in the hands of the Chinese government. As a result, some countries have taken steps to ban TikTok altogether.
The concerns about TikTok center on China's national security laws, which require Chinese companies to comply with government requests for information. Lawmakers and regulators in the West worry that TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, could be forced to provide the Chinese government with sensitive user data, like location information or search history. This could pose a threat to national security in countries where TikTok has a large user base.
The situation has been further complicated by the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. In 2019, the US government launched an investigation into TikTok's data privacy practices and potential ties to the Chinese government. In response, ByteDance announced that it would create a new company, TikTok Global, with a majority stake owned by US investors. This move was intended to address concerns about national security and data privacy.
Tiktok Banned Countries List
Serial No
Tiktok Banned Countries Name
1
United States
2
Canada
3
The European Union
4
India
5
Taiwan
6
Pakistan
7
Afghanistan
8
Iran
Which Countries have banned Tiktok?
1. United States
The popular social media app TikTok has once again found itself at the center of controversy. On February 28, the US government issued an order for all federal employees to remove the app from their government-issued phones due to concerns over the security of confidential data. This move by the US government was met with criticism from China's foreign ministry. A spokesperson stated that they "firmly oppose those wrong actions" and called on the US government to respect market economy principles and fair competition. They also urged the US to provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies operating in the country. The spokesperson went on to question the US government's fear of a social media app popular with young people. They stated, "How unsure of itself can the world's top superpower like the US be to fear young people's favorite app like that."
2. Canada
The Canadian government has banned TikTok from being installed on any government-issued devices, citing concerns over national security. Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced the ban, stating that federal employees were no longer allowed to use the popular social media app on their work phones. Trudeau expressed his concerns over the potential risks of using TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese company, ByteDance. He stated that the decision was made to protect sensitive information and data from being accessed by foreign entities. The ban is not the first time that TikTok has come under scrutiny from North American nations. The United States also banned the app in 2020, citing national security concerns. The app has been accused of collecting user data and sharing it with the Chinese government, something which ByteDance has denied.
3. The European Union
The European Union has taken a strong stance on cybersecurity, with recent measures taken against the popular video-sharing app TikTok. It all began when the European Commission and the EU Council announced a temporary ban on TikTok from employee phones, citing concerns about the app's cybersecurity. This move was followed by the European Parliament, which also implemented a ban on TikTok for its employees. The ban extends beyond just downloading the app on work phones; employees are also prohibited from accessing the platform on their personal devices if their Parliament email and other network accesses are installed on them. The EU's actions come as part of a wider trend of increased scrutiny of Chinese-owned tech companies. TikTok, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has faced accusations of mishandling user data and potentially compromising national security.
4. India
In June 2020, India banned the popular social media app, TikTok, along with several other Chinese apps, citing concerns about national security and defense. This move came amid growing tensions between India and China, following a deadly border clash between the two nations. India's decision to ban TikTok was a significant blow to the app's parent company, ByteDance, as India had been its largest international market, with more than 200 million users. The ban was not limited to just TikTok, but also included other popular Chinese apps such as WeChat, Shareit, and UC Browser. The Indian government claimed that these apps were a threat to the country's sovereignty and integrity, as well as to its defense and security. The government also cited concerns about data privacy and the potential for these apps to be used for espionage purposes by the Chinese government.
5. Taiwan
In late 2022, the Taiwanese government made a controversial decision to ban the popular social media app TikTok from all public-sector devices. The ban came after concerns were raised about the Chinese government's alleged use of the app to conduct "cognitive warfare" against Taiwan.TikTok, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has faced criticism and scrutiny from governments around the world over concerns that it may be used for spying or propaganda purposes. In Taiwan, however, the concern was more specific: the Chinese government was using TikTok to spread misinformation and sow discord among Taiwanese citizens. The ban on TikTok applies to all public-sector devices, including those used by government officials, public schools, and other public institutions. Private citizens are still free to use the app on their personal devices, but the government has warned them to be cautious about the content they consume and share on the platform.
6. Pakistan
Pakistan has a tumultuous relationship with the video-sharing app, TikTok, having banned it multiple times in the past. The most recent ban, which lasted from October to November 2021, once again drew attention to the government's concerns about the platform. The Pakistani government has had concerns over the app's content for some time now. They have repeatedly accused TikTok of promoting indecent and vulgar content that goes against the country's values and cultural norms. In July 2020, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) banned the app for the first time, citing similar concerns. The ban was lifted after 10 days, following assurances from TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, that it would improve its moderation policies. However, the ban was reimposed in October 2020, when the PTA once again accused TikTok of promoting objectionable content. This time, the ban lasted for almost three months, with the PTA only lifting it after TikTok agreed to establish a local office in the country to better address the government's concerns.
7. Afghanistan
In April 2022, the Taliban announced their intention to ban a popular app due to concerns over its impact on the younger generation and its perceived inconsistency with Islamic laws. The app in question was not specified by the Taliban spokesperson, but it is believed to be a social media platform that has gained widespread popularity among Afghan youths. The Taliban's decision to ban the app has sparked controversy and concern among many Afghans, who rely on the app for communication and entertainment. Critics argue that the ban is an attempt by the Taliban to restrict freedom of expression and limit access to information.
8. Iran
TikTok, a popular social media platform for short-form video content, has become a global sensation. However, in Iran, TikTok is entirely banned due to the incompatibility of its rules with Iran's laws. This decision has sparked controversy, with some Iranians expressing frustration at the inability to access the app, while others support the ban.TikTok's popularity stems from its user-generated content, which can range from funny skits and dances to political commentary and social activism. However, Iran's government has deemed TikTok to be inappropriate and a threat to its Islamic values. Iranian officials claim that the app promotes immorality and un-Islamic behavior, and therefore it should be banned. The Iranian government has a history of blocking social media platforms that it deems to be inappropriate or a threat to national security. In 2009, during the Green Movement protests, the government blocked Facebook and Twitter, and in 2018, it blocked Telegram, a popular messaging app used by millions of Iranians.
Tiktok
Tiktok's social media app was launched on September 2016. 1 billion users are using Tiktok all over the world. New features, new reel videos, new entrainment shorts, photography hacks, and travels post are gaining popularity and benefit the influencer. Developer Zhang Yiming announced that upcoming year people would be making more money through Tiktok because of affiliate marketing, video sharing format, and much more digital marketing. Many celebrities already earn more through TikTok post-sharing. They gained engagement through this app. He was working with Khabane Lame with 151M followers, Charli D'Amelio with 148M followers, Bella Poarch with 92M followers, Addison Rae with 88.8M followers, Will Smith with 72.1M followers, Zach King with 70.1M followers, Kimberly Loaiza with 68.5M followers. Many features are available in this app that as Unlimited track uploads, Custom profile control, including track spotlight, Track management tools, Advanced fan insights, custom listening reports, Exclusive partner offers from Splice and many more.TikTok LIVE is pretty it’s TikTok’s way of doing live video, just like how we have the Facebook app Live, Instagram app Live, and YouTube channel Live.TikTok LIVE is a way for popular users and creators to interact in real-time in this App. There are a few requirements and restrictions to follow You have to have at least one thousand TikTok followers to unlock the TikTok live, You have to be sixteen years and older to launch your own life and You have to be eighteen years or older to send and receive gifts during a TikLIVE. Gifts are virtual offerings from your followers during a live stream, which can be converted into cash.
Tiktok Banned Countries List - FAQs
Zhang Yiming is the founder of TikTok.
TikTok was released in September 2016.
A total of 40 languages are available in this app.
This app genre is jokes, stunts, and tricks.
442.5 MB in size in the iOS version and 88.0 MB in size in the Android version.