Jordan's TikTok ban threatens freedom of expression and access to information

Main Letter:

Dear Government Authority,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to express my concern regarding the ban and blockage of the TikTok application in our country. I kindly request your attention and consideration in lifting this ban to allow citizens to access the platform once again.

TikTok has emerged as a vibrant and inclusive platform where individuals can showcase their creativity, connect with others, and express themselves freely. It has become an integral part of our digital culture, enabling people to share their talents, stories, and perspectives with the world.

While I understand that concerns over content moderation and security have led to the ban, I believe that there are alternative approaches to address these issues without completely blocking the application. Implementing robust content moderation policies and collaborating with TikTok to ensure compliance with local regulations can help create a safe and secure environment for users.

By unblocking TikTok, we can foster creativity, empower individuals, and embrace the positive aspects of social media in our society. Moreover, it would encourage digital innovation, provide opportunities for content creators, and contribute to the overall digital ecosystem in our country.

I kindly request your prompt attention to this matter and urge you to consider the interests and aspirations of the citizens who enjoy using TikTok as a means of expression and entertainment. Unbanning and unblocking TikTok would demonstrate our commitment to internet freedom and promote a vibrant and inclusive digital culture.

Thank you for considering my request. I believe that by working together, we can find a balanced approach that addresses concerns while preserving the benefits of TikTok for our citizens.

Yours sincerely,

Samer Tallauze

 

Beyond Jordan’s TikTok Ban:

AMMAN — Popular video app TiKTok said that negotiations are ongoing with the government for the app’s reinstatement in Jordan after authorities imposed a temporary ban on the social media platform in December 2022.

Once upon a time in the beautiful country of Jordan, there was a vibrant and tech-savvy community that loved to express themselves through social media platforms. Among these platforms, TikTok was particularly popular for its creative and entertaining content. However, due to certain restrictions, the people of Jordan found themselves unable to access TikTok.

In the midst of their disappointment, a young and ingenious UI/UX/CX and art director science named Samer Tallauze decided to take matters into his own hands. Samer believed in the power of technology and its ability to connect people from all walks of life. Determined to help his fellow citizens regain access to TikTok, he embarked on a mission to unblock the application.

Samer spent countless hours researching and exploring various methods to bypass the restrictions imposed on TikTok. He understood that the government had blocked the app due to concerns over content moderation and security issues. However, he firmly believed that with the right approach, these concerns could be addressed without completely blocking the platform.

After extensive research, Samer discovered that Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) could be the key to unblocking TikTok. VPNs work by redirecting internet traffic through a server located in a different country, effectively masking the user's location and allowing them to access restricted content.

During the suspension, many Jordanians continued to access TikTok via virtual private networks (VPNs).

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide numerous benefits, but it's also important to be aware of potential side effects. Here are some common side effects of using a VPN:

• Slower internet speeds: VPNs route your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, which can sometimes result in a decrease in connection speeds. The encryption and rerouting process may add some latency to your browsing experience.
• Limited server locations: While VPN providers offer a variety of server locations to choose from, the availability of servers in specific regions may be limited. This could potentially impact your ability to access region-specific content or services.
• Incompatibility with certain applications: Some applications or services may not work properly when a VPN is active. This can occur if the application detects that you're using a VPN and blocks or restricts access.
• Compatibility issues with devices: VPNs may not be compatible with all devices or operating systems. It's important to check the compatibility of the VPN service with your specific device to ensure it will work as intended.
• Trust in VPN provider: When using a VPN, you route your internet traffic through the VPN provider's servers. This means you're placing some level of trust in the provider to handle your data and protect your privacy. It's crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN provider to mitigate any potential risks.
• 
  Legal implications: While VPNs are legal in many countries, there are exceptions. Some governments or organizations restrict or ban the use of VPNs, and using one in these regions may have legal consequences.

Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Hanandeh confirmed on January 15 that there is no news about lifting the TikTok ban in the kingdom, and the app remains banned in Jordan, according to what we documented through the ban test conducted on the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI).