TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, has become a most popular in a short period of time by inspiring young users to post short videos. But a number of countries have raised security and privacy concerns over its links to China.
Pakistan blocks social media app TikTok for “unethical and vulgar” content
Pakistan’s telecom regulator blocked TikTok on Friday for failing to filter out “unethical and vulgar” content, another blow to the social media app that has appear under increasing scrutiny as its popularity has overflow across the globe.
In other cases, TikTok was criticized for at least one person committing suicide. Prime Minister Imran Khan, had recently said that TikTok is hurting the community and it must be blocked.
The decision to ban TikTok was taken after Prime Minister Imran Khan anxious about this issue, said a second official, adding that Khan has directed the telecoms authorities to make all efforts to block indecent content.
TikTok said it was “committed to following the law in markets where the app is offered”.
“We have been in regular connection with the PTA and continue to work with them. We are expecting to reach a conclusion that helps us carry on to obey the country’s vibrant and creative online community,” it said.
However, a lot of internet users are celebrating the ban. They are opining that TikTok was expanding indecency and insist for blocked.
TikTok has long rejected that its links to China pose a security concern.
According to the PTA representative, TikTok reported 20 million monthly energetic users in Pakistan, while it was the third most downloaded app after WhatsApp and Facebook over the last 12 months, according to analytics firm Sensor Tower.
Muslim-majority Pakistan has media law that is attachedto conservative social customs.
Last month, five take out apps, including Tinder and Grindr, were also blocked by the PTA.
“The government blocked an enjoyment app that is used by millions of people, and is a starting point of income for thousands of content creators, mostly those coming from smaller towns and villages, is a travesty to democratic norms and fundamental rights as guaranteed by the constitution,” said Khilji.
In June, it was blocked in India – then its largest market by users – which blame national security concerns at a time of a border argument with China. Separately, it faces the threat of being barred in the United States, and scrutiny in other countries including Australia.