Here you can find out the reasons behind these bans in different countries, and dive deeper into how social media platforms are often at the centre of political and social issues around the world.
India, China, Brazil and other countries that have banned X, TikTok and Facebook
Countries where X, TikTok and Facebook are blocked
Brazil’s legal clash with X
The dispute between Brazil’s Supreme Court and Elon Musk’s X began when the court suspended several accounts accused of spreading misinformation. In response to X’s failure to comply with Brazilian legal requirements, including appointing a local legal representative, the court issued the ban in August 2024. The ban is expected to continue until X fulfills these legal obligations and pays a fine for violating the law.
Iran has long banned social media
Iran blocked access to X and Facebook during the Green Movement protests in 2009. These platforms were believed to be instrumental in organizing anti-government protests. Since then, the government has continued its ban to prevent political dissent and limit the influence of Western media.
Strict censorship on social media in China
China banned X and several other foreign platforms such as Facebook, Flickr and Hotmail following the Uighur protests in Urumqi in 2009. The government accused these platforms of helping to organise protests and spread misinformation. In their place, China has promoted domestic alternatives such as WeChat and Weibo.
TikTok’s struggle in the United States
In the United States, concerns over TikTok’s ties to China have led to widespread bans. In 2023, federal agencies banned TikTok from government devices due to national security concerns. Similar bans were also imposed by Congress, the armed forces, and nearly half of US states.
There is a complete ban on social media in North Korea
North Korea has almost completely banned the internet and social media for its citizens. Platforms such as X and Facebook are blocked to give North Koreans limited access to outside information that could challenge the regime’s control.
Taiwan and TikTok: Focus on cybersecurity
In December 2022, Taiwan banned the use of Chinese-made apps on all government devices, including TikTok, after the FBI issued a warning about data privacy concerns. The move underscores Taiwan’s cautious approach to cybersecurity given geopolitical tensions with China.
Turkey temporarily bans social media
Turkey often imposes temporary social media bans, especially during political unrest. These measures are often aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and maintaining public order. In August 2024, Instagram was blocked for nine days after it banned posts related to the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
Russia imposes sanctions amid Ukraine conflict
In late February 2022, Russia restricted access to X and Facebook, accusing them of spreading misinformation about the invasion of Ukraine. The move further solidified Russia’s tight control over information during the ongoing conflict.
TikTok banned in Afghanistan under Taliban rule
Following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the government banned TikTok in April 2022. The Taliban claimed that TikTok was misleading Afghan youth, making the ban part of a broader effort to control digital content in the country.
Control on social media after the coup in Myanmar
Following the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar’s government blocked access to platforms such as X, Facebook, and Instagram. The new regime tried to prevent citizens from coordinating protests and control the narrative about the coup internationally.
Bangladesh and ethical concerns on social media
In August 2021, Bangladesh temporarily banned several social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. The government cited concerns over the moral degradation of children and adolescents as the main reason for the ban.
Turkmenistan: One of the countries with the most censorship
Turkmenistan, known for its strict media controls, blocks X, Facebook, and most other foreign websites. The government tightly monitors all internet access, allowing little outside influence to penetrate the country’s borders.
Facebook banned from time to time in Vietnam
Vietnam occasionally blocks access to Facebook during political unrest. The government has pressured Facebook to remove content critical of its policies, using the platform’s influence to maintain public order.
Temporary ban on exports during protests in Venezuela
In August 2024, Venezuela blocked access to X for ten days in response to protests following the re-election of President Nicolás Maduro. The ban was extended, although the government has not confirmed when it will be lifted.
United Kingdom bans TikTok on government devices
The UK, like other Western countries, will ban TikTok from government devices in March 2023, citing national security and data privacy concerns. The move reflects growing international fears about the Chinese-owned app.
Kyrgyzstan bans TikTok over child safety
In August 2023, Kyrgyzstan banned TikTok, claiming the app is harmful to children’s development. The country has raised concerns about the platform’s content and its impact on young people.
Massive ban on Chinese apps by India
India banned TikTok and 58 other Chinese apps in June 2020 following border clashes with China. The government had accused these apps of sharing data with the Chinese government, citing national security and privacy concerns.
Control of social media in Syria
From 2007 to 2011, the Syrian government blocked more than 200 websites, including X and Facebook, to curb dissent. Although the ban was lifted during the Syrian civil war, these platforms remain closely monitored by the government.
Pakistan imposes temporary ban on blasphemous content
Pakistan has implemented several temporary social media bans, including X and TikTok, due to content deemed offensive to Islamic values. These bans usually coincide with periods of heightened political tension or protests.
Australia’s government bans TikTok
Australia banned TikTok from all government devices in April 2023, joining other countries, citing concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity. However, the app remains available to the general public.
Senegal has imposed a complete ban on TikTok
In August 2023, Senegal banned TikTok entirely after an opposition candidate allegedly used the platform to spread subversive messages. The government refuses to reintroduce the app without additional moderation controls.
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