Bangladesh Bans WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube And TikTok: Report

Bangladesh's ban affects popular social networking services such as Meta-owned Instagram and TikTok and Alphabet's YouTube.

The government of Bangladesh on Friday imposed a nationwide ban on several leading social media and communication platforms.

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The government of Bangladesh on Friday imposed a nationwide ban on several leading social media and communication platforms, the media has reported. Bangladesh's ban affects popular social networking services such as Meta-owned Instagram and TikTok and Alphabet's YouTube. This action restricts access to these widely-used apps throughout the country.

Bangladesh Restricts Telegram, Facebook On Mobile Networks

Bangladesh restricted access to Facebook, this time specifically on mobile networks. Russian messaging platform Telegram has also been blocked on mobile connections, says a report by Daily Bangladesh. This follows a previous shutdown of Meta's platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, from July 17 to July 31, which was implemented in response to unrest related to quota reform protests.

BREAKING:

Bangladesh bans Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube in the country. pic.twitter.com/v2T47KR42L

— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) August 2, 2024

Sources, as cited by the report, indicated that access to Meta's platforms via mobile networks was cut off around 12:15 PM on Friday. The restrictions appear to be limited to mobile data connections, as opposed to the more comprehensive shutdown imposed earlier.

The country's Internet speed had reportedly returned to normal levels on Thursday night.

Bangladesh Has Over 120 Million Mobile Network Users

With over 120 million mobile network users in Bangladesh, the Facebook restriction is likely to drive increased use of VPNs, potentially impacting overall Internet speeds.

This latest move comes after a series of Internet restrictions in July. Mobile Internet was initially disabled on  17, followed by a broadband shutdown on July 18. Broadband services were partially restored after five days, on July 23, while mobile networks remained offline for ten days before being reactivated on July 28.

In the middle of July, when student demonstrations spread across various regions of Bangladesh, the government declared suspension of Internet services nationwide. This announcement, made on the 18 of July, sent shockwaves through the refugee communities residing in Cox's Bazar, who viewed the impending Internet shutdown as a potential crisis, says a report by Benar News.