12 March 2025 |
12:56 pm
TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with millions of users creating and watching short videos every day. However, despite its success, some countries have banned or restricted the app due to concerns about security, data privacy, and its influence on young users. Governments have raised issues about how…
TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with millions of users creating and watching short videos every day.
However, despite its success, some countries have banned or restricted the app due to concerns about security, data privacy, and its influence on young users.
Governments have raised issues about how TikTok collects and manages data, its ties to the Chinese government, and the potential risks of harmful content spreading on the platform.
READ ALSO: Albania ban only latest setback for TikTok
While some countries have permanently banned TikTok, others have only placed restrictions on government devices or temporarily suspended access.
Below is a list of countries that have banned or restricted TikTok:
1. India
India permanently banned TikTok in June 2020, citing national security concerns. The government stated that the app, along with several other Chinese applications, posed risks to users’ data and sovereignty. Since then, TikTok has not been available for use in the country.
2. Afghanistan
The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan banned TikTok in 2022. According to officials, the app was misleading young people and did not align with their values.
3. Indonesia
Indonesia temporarily banned TikTok in 2018, stating that it contained inappropriate and harmful content. The ban was lifted after TikTok agreed to remove content violating local laws and improve content moderation.
4. Bangladesh
TikTok was among several apps blocked in Bangladesh due to concerns over indecent and immoral content. However, the ban was lifted after discussions with the company to improve monitoring and filtering of harmful content.
5. Pakistan
Pakistan has repeatedly banned TikTok, citing issues related to inappropriate and immoral content. Each time, the ban was lifted after TikTok assured the government that it would take steps to regulate content and comply with local laws.
6. Albania
Albania announced a one-year ban on TikTok starting in 2025 after a violent incident involving young users. The government stated that the app played a role in escalating conflicts among teenagers.
7. Nepal
Nepal initially banned TikTok in 2023, arguing that it was disrupting social harmony. However, the government later reconsidered the ban after discussions with TikTok representatives about content regulation.
8. Kyrgyzstan
In April 2024, Kyrgyzstan banned TikTok, claiming that it posed risks to children’s health and development. The government expressed concerns about young users being exposed to inappropriate content.
9. United States
While TikTok has not been fully banned in the United States, it is prohibited on federal government devices due to national security concerns. There have also been discussions about forcing the app’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations to an American firm.
10. Canada
Similar to the U.S., Canada banned TikTok on government-issued devices in 2023 over cybersecurity concerns. However, general users can still access the platform.
11. United Kingdom
The UK government banned TikTok on official government devices in 2023, citing security risks. The restriction does not apply to personal devices.
12. France
In 2023, France restricted the use of TikTok and other “recreational” apps on government employees’ devices due to cybersecurity concerns.
13. Australia
Australia also banned TikTok from government devices in 2023, following similar concerns raised by other Western countries about data privacy.
14. New Zealand
New Zealand restricted TikTok on devices connected to the parliamentary network, citing security risks similar to those raised by the U.S. and UK governments.
