Senegal Maintains TikTok Ban Pending Agreement for Account Regulation

Senegalese authorities have declined to lift the ban on the social media app TikTok unless the company agrees to sign an agreement that establishes a mechanism for account removal.

Moussa Bocar Thiam, the communications minister, stated during a press conference that the restriction would remain in place until a comprehensive written agreement is reached. He also mentioned that discussions with TikTok were ongoing.

The authorities had initially blocked access to TikTok in August following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. They cited concerns that the platform was being used to disseminate “hateful and subversive messages” that posed a threat to the country’s stability.

Senegal experienced a period of unrest in June due to a power struggle between Sonko, the leader of the Pastef party, and President Macky Sall. This unrest damaged Senegal’s reputation as the most stable democracy in West Africa.

In their discussions with TikTok, the government has called for improved regulation of the platform and sought information about the functioning of its algorithm and data protection measures. Additionally, they have requested fair compensation for content creators, enabling young people to sustain a livelihood through social media.