Senegalese authorities on Thursday declined to lift the ban on the social media app TikTok. They insisted that the company must sign an agreement enabling the establishment of a mechanism for account removal.
“For the time being, the restriction is being maintained pending the conclusion of a comprehensive written agreement,” communications minister Moussa Bocar Thiam told a press conference, adding that authorities were in discussions with TikTok.
In August, authorities in Senegal blocked access to TikTok following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. They asserted that the platform was being utilised to disseminate “hateful and subversive messages” that posed a threat to the country’s stability.
A power struggle between Sonko, who leads the Pastef party, and President Macky Sall resulted in violent protests in June. These events tarnished Senegal’s image as the most stable democracy in West Africa.
In its talks with TikTok, the government sought enhanced regulation of the platform and posed inquiries about the operation of its algorithm and data protection measures.
Additionally, the government requested fair compensation for content creators, aiming to create opportunities for young individuals to earn a livelihood through social media.
