Saudi Arabia calls to boycott TikTok intensify
Technology
The video platform is accused of unjustly censoring, banning Saudi accounts
(Web Desk) - Calls to boycott TikTok in Saudi Arabia have intensified since the launch of a campaign accusing the video platform of unjustly censoring and banning Saudi accounts expressing positive views about the Kingdom.
The momentum behind the boycott has grown as concerns over TikTok’s alleged algorithm manipulation and biased treatment continue to provoke outrage among the platform’s Saudi user base.
Many users have turned to alternative social platforms to denounce TikTok’s alleged restricting of pro-Saudi content, with the trending hashtag #BoycottTiktok accompanied by posts urging Saudis to delete the app.
One X user, @ayedarini, urged others to boycott the app, claiming the platform is engaging in a “war against us.”
The user added: “It has become clear that it is targeting Saudi accounts and promoting everything against them and their country. Boycotting it has become a duty for every Saudi.”
A recent post by @X_Tiktok_, a dedicated profile advocating for the platform’s ban in the Kingdom, expressed strong disapproval of TikTok’s “unacceptable” and “abusive” behavior, pledging to persist in its campaign against the platform.
“TikTok still continues its malicious bias with its violating policies on Saudi users’ posts, especially national clips,” the post said.
“Saudi Arabia remains a red line and the Saudi people remain strong and strict in their defense of their country, religion and leadership.”
Influential social media personalities and celebrities have lent their support to the campaign, leveraging their substantial followings to amplify the message and motivate others to join the boycott. The Saudi private sector has also responded to the boycott’s impact.
Citing a source close to the Saudi First Division League earlier in November, Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported that the second tier of professional football in Saudi Arabia had cut off its relationship with TikTok due to the platform’s alleged actions against Saudi content.
