Despite its undisputed success, TikTok is also controversial in many parts of the world. Some countries have implemented a TikTok ban, while others have either attempted to block it or introduced temporary restrictions. So, where is TikTok banned? Here's what you need to know.
Where Is TikTok Currently Banned?
While not completely banned in Russia, its status is tenuous. As the Guardian reported in March 2022, TikTok only allowed Russian content to feature within the country.
In other countries, however, the controversial app is banned outright. Here are some of those.
1. India
Indian authorities clamped down heavily on Chinese apps in 2020 and banned TikTok, among over 50 others, in the summer of that year.
India chose to ban Chinese apps citing concerns related to TikTok and national security. TikTok was immensely popular in the country before it was blocked, with over 200 million users.
TikTok’s ban in India is permanent, and the company has withdrawn from the market.
2. Afghanistan
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in the summer of 2021 and, in early 2022, ordered a TikTok ban.
As mentioned in an article published by the BBC, the Taliban said they aimed to “prevent the younger generation from being misled”. As of January 2023, the ban hadn’t yet come into place—and nobody knows whether it’ll be permanent.
4. Montana (Pending)
In 2020, former President Donald Trump attempted to introduce a TikTok ban across the US but failed in his efforts. But since then, Montana has become the first state in the country to ban the app.
As reported by NPR, Governor Greg Gianforte argued that allowing TikTok puts residents' sensitive data at risk of falling into the Chinese Communist Party's hands. Though a challenge against the bill will likely occur, the ban—which includes removing TikTok from the App Store and Google Play—commences in January 2024 if that's unsuccessful.
5. Somalia
Somalia banned TikTok in 2023, with authorities arguing that "terrorists and immoral groups" were using the app to "spread horrific content and misinformation to the public".
The move was met with significant pushback; many Somalis argued that they rely on TikTok to make money. In addition to TikTok, the Somali government also banned Telegram.
6. Kyrgyzstan
Also on the list of TikTok-banned countries is Kyrgyzstan, which banned the app in 2023. The main reason was to protect young people's mental health, along with arguing that some of the challenges on TikTok can put lives at risk.
7. Jordan
Jordan banned TikTok in December 2022, following the death of a police officer during protests against rising oil prices. The ban is only expected to be temporary—but as of October 2023, it's still in place.
8. Iran
TikTok is completely banned in Iran, as is the case with many other social media and entertainment apps. The Iranian government has argued that TikTok isn't compatible with the country's rules, and users cannot download the app on their devices.
Which Countries Banned TikTok in the Past?
In addition to India’s seemingly irreversible ban and Afghanistan’s plans to restrict the Bytedance-owned app, several countries have banned TikTok in the past. However, many have since reversed their decision.
Below are some of the countries that have banned TikTok before, but have since allowed users to regain access to the app.
1. Pakistan
Pakistan’s relationship with TikTok has been far from straightforward. Authorities in the country banned the app no fewer than four times between October 2020 and November 2021.
The first ban in October 2020 lasted for 10 days and was a result of content deemed inappropriate. In March 2021, the app was again banned—this time until April.
Two months later, TikTok was hit with another ban in Pakistan. However, this one only lasted three days.
The fourth ban occurred in July 2021 and lasted for around four months. In 2022, however, things were smoother for TikTok in Pakistan.
2. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is another country where TikTok has previously found itself in hot water. Access to the app was restricted in November 2018, but users were able to consume content again in 2020.
However, that wasn’t the last of TikTok’s run-ins with the Bangladeshi authorities. In the summer of 2021, a court in the country ordered that the app—along with several others—should be banned again for three months.
3. Indonesia
Indonesia is another nation that has implemented a TikTok ban in the past. In July 2018, authorities in the country chose to restrict user access to the app due to content on the platform. The government said that users had access to pornography and other inappropriate forms of content.
TikTok’s ban in Indonesia only lasted for just over a week; it was allowed to begin operating again once it had removed the content in question.
In 2023, however, Indonesian authorities announced that social media apps must remove their eCommerce features from apps in the country. As a result, TikTok withdrew from the market in October 2023.
Is TikTok Banned in China?
Bytedance, TikTok’s parent company, has its headquarters in Beijing. But despite this, TikTok doesn’t operate in China.
Instead, users in the country can download an app called Douyin. The app is similar to TikTok, but you can't download it outside of China.
Where Are Government Staff Banned From Downloading TikTok?
While some jurisdictions have announced outright TikTok bans for ordinary residents, many government officials are also not allowed to use the app.
1. The EU
The EU has argued that member states should stop government staff from downloading TikTok for several reasons, including cybersecurity concerns. And if you're within the EU Council, European Comission, or European Parliament, you're not allowed to download the app on your device.
Even if you're not a government official, you may want to find out how much TikTok actually knows about you. Doing so will allow you to decide whether you'd like to continue using the app or not.
2. NATO
In 2023, NATO banned its staff from using TikTok on their work devices. Like the EU, security was a key reason behind this decision.
3. Norway
Norway banned government ministers and officials from using TikTok on their work devices in 2023, and the Norwegian Parliament has similar restrictions for its staff. The ban covers all employees that can access government systems in the country as well.
4. Denmark
Denmark is another country that has announced a TikTok ban in some capacity for certain employees. The country's Defense Ministry told employees that they could no longer use the app on their work phones for cybersecurity purposes.
5. Canada
Canada announced a TikTok ban on government devices in late February 2023. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that it could be the only step required, but they may take further action if they feel like it's necessary to do so.
6. The US
Many states and municipalities in the US have banned TikTok on government devices, including New York City. Federal government employees and contractors are also not allowed to use the app, and that goes for both on their work and personal devices.
If you're curious to understand more of the negative impacts of TikTok, consider reading this guide about why TikTok could be bad for you.
Other Countries That Have Banned TikTok for Government Officials
Besides the nations we've already mentioned, government officials in several other countries also have restrictions with access to TikTok. These include:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- The UK
- France
- Austria
- Latvia
- Belgium
- The Netherlands
- Estonia
- The Republic of Ireland
Several Countries Have Introduced a TikTok Ban
TikTok’s time in the spotlight hasn’t been without controversy, and several countries have blocked the app in the past. Concerns over user privacy are loud in many nations, and others have questioned the content available on the platform.
Is TikTok getting banned anywhere else? We’ll have to wait and see. In many countries, though, the app will probably be around for the long run—and its popularity is ever-increasing.