Senegalese officials 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.
In a press conference, Communications Minister Moussa Bocar Thiam said, “For the time being, the restriction is being maintained pending the conclusion of a comprehensive written agreement,” adding that officials were in talks with TikTok.
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.
In June, violent protests sparked by a power struggle between President Macky Sall and Sonko, the head of the Pastef party, undermined Senegal’s standing as the most stable democracy in West Africa.
The government questioned TikTok about the operation of its algorithm and data protection during its meetings with the company, and it sought stronger control of the site.
It also demanded that content providers receive equitable compensation so young people may earn a life off social media.
