🌐 Countries with Full or Partial TikTok Bans (02)

 As of July 2025, several countries have imposed full or partial bans on TikTok due to concerns ranging from national security and data privacy to social harmony and content regulation. Here's an overview:

🇺🇸 United States

In January 2025, the U.S. implemented a ban on TikTok, citing national security concerns related to its Chinese ownership. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, is developing a standalone U.S. version of the app with separate algorithms and data systems to comply with regulatory requirements. [1]

🇮🇳 India

India permanently banned TikTok in January 2021, following a temporary ban in June 2020 after a military clash with China. The ban was due to privacy and security concerns. [2]

🇦🇱 Albania

In December 2024, Albania announced a one-year ban on TikTok, effective from early 2025, after a fatal incident linked to the platform. The government cited concerns over the app's role in promoting violence and bullying among children. [3]

🇳🇵 Nepal

Nepal banned TikTok in November 2023, citing disruption to social harmony. The ban was lifted in August 2024 after an agreement between TikTok and the government to monitor misuse. [4]

🇦🇫 Afghanistan

In April 2022, the Taliban government banned TikTok, stating that the platform was misleading the younger generation. The ban remains in place. [5]

🇮🇷 Iran

TikTok is not accessible in Iran, as the government has blocked nearly all major social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram. [6]

🇸🇴 Somalia

In August 2023, Somalia banned TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBet over concerns about the spread of horrific content and misinformation. The ban has not been lifted. [7]

🇸🇳 Senegal

Senegal implemented a complete ban on TikTok after allegations that an opposition candidate had used the platform to disseminate “hateful and subversive messages.” The government has declined to restore the app until a system is created that enables them to delete individual accounts. [8]

🇨🇳 China

TikTok's international version is not accessible within China. Instead, users are required to download Douyin, the Chinese counterpart of TikTok, which is subject to strict content control by the Chinese Communist Party. [8]

🇰🇵 North Korea

Access to the internet is heavily restricted for the majority of North Korean citizens. While a select few websites and apps are allowed for the privileged elite, TikTok is not included in this list. [8]

🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

Since July 2021, TikTok has been unavailable in Uzbekistan due to non-compliance with the country's personal data protection laws. [2]

🛡️ Partial Bans and Restrictions

- *European Union*: Top EU institutions, including the European Parliament, European Commission, and European Council, banned TikTok from staff phones in 2023 to protect against cybersecurity threats. [9]

- *Canada*: In February 2023, Canada banned TikTok from all government-issued phones due to privacy and security concerns. In November 2024, Canada ordered the dissolution of TikTok’s business in the country after a national security review but did not block Canadians’ access to the app. [9]

These bans and restrictions reflect growing global concerns over data privacy, national security, and the influence of social media platforms on society. As TikTok continues to navigate these challenges, its future in various regions remains uncertain.