Hanan Atrakin, a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), addressed concerns about the misuse of TikTok and other social media apps in Morocco during a parliamentary session, underlining the app’s potential risks, particularly for youngsters.
In seeking a national ban on TikTok, Atrakin presented an oral question to Ghita Mezzour, Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, pointing to illicit conduct such as begging, harassment, illegal trade, and even unauthorized medical practices growing in the virtual realm while evading legal implications.
She strongly urges the adoption of legal restrictions to protect users, particularly minors, against manipulation, exploitation, and cybercrimes.
The debate highlights the necessity of effective law enforcement against social media users who violate restrictions, with calls for stiff penalties gaining traction.
This issue parallels a global trend, with TikTok facing prohibitions in a number of countries. Full bans are already in effect in Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, and Somalia.
Some countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Latvia, New Zealand, Norway, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, have partial restrictions, restricting access on government-issued devices.