Internet service providers in Somalia have been given until August 24th, 2023 to implement a ban on social media platforms Tiktok and Telegram and online betting platform 1XBet.

According to BBC News, the Somalia government says these platforms are being used by “terrorists and groups responsible for spreading immorality… to spread graphic clips, photos and mislead society”.

Somalia has announced a target of crushing the al-Shabab militant group, which still controls large swathes of the country, within the next five months.

Internet service providers who fail to heed the August 24th deadline will face unspecified legal action according to the Ministry of Communications and Technology.