The famous video sharing app 'TikTok' was blocked last night by Pakistan's telecom regulator over its "immoral" and "indecent" content.

According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the ban was implemented in view of complaints from different segments of the society against "immoral and indecent" content on the video sharing application. A top official involved in the decision reportedly informed, "We have been asking them repeatedly to put in place an effective mechanism for blocking immoral and indecent content. The platform, however, hasn't been able to fully satisfy Pakistani authorities. The decision has been taken to block TikTok for accessing in Pakistan." The ban of TikTok in Pakistan comes months after its ban in India, along with hundreds of other Chinese mobile apps, over data security concerns. In August this year, US President Donald Trump signed an order to implement ban on the app, claiming that TikTok is a security threat due to its Chinese owners. TikTok, however, decided to sue the US government, mentioning that the executive order, signed by Trump on August 6th under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, is "without any evidence to justify such an extreme action, and without any due process."

Expressing hopes of getting Pakistan to review its decision once again, TikTok stated, "We have been in regular communication with the PTA and continue to work with them. We are hopeful to reach a conclusion that helps us continue to serve the country’s vibrant and creative online community." TikTok allows its users to share short video clips with music and the app exploded in popularity across the globe in the last two years.

After India and the United States, China's all-weather friend Pakistan has banned Chinese video-sharing app #TikTok.

TikTok was the third most downloaded app after Facebook and WhatsApp in Pakistan. @SaroyaHem with more details pic.twitter.com/FIKlpA7xbT

— WION (@WIONews) October 9, 2020