Senegalese officials on Thursday, refused to lift a ban on the social media app TikTok because they wanted the firm to sign a contract that would enable the development of a system to delete accounts.
According to Communications Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam, “For the time being, the restriction is being maintained pending the conclusion of a comprehensive written agreement,”
Following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko in August, authorities stopped access to TikTok, alleging that the service was being used to disseminate “hateful and subversive messages” that endangered national security.
Senegal’s reputation as the most stable democracy in West Africa was undermined by violent rallies in June as a result of a power struggle between Sonko, the head of the Pastef party, and President Macky Sall.
The government questioned TikTok about the operation of its algorithm and data protection during its meetings with the company, and it sought better control of the platform.
It also demanded that content providers receive equitable compensation so that young people may earn a living off of social media.
