Bangladesh bans social media amid raging protests

DHAKA: On Friday, the government of Bangladesh imposed a nationwide ban on several leading social media and communication platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube. This move restricts access to these widely-used apps throughout the country, specifically targeting mobile networks. Access to Facebook and Telegram on mobile connections was also blocked, following a series of previous shutdowns in response to unrest related to quota reform protests​.

This decision has significant implications given that Bangladesh has over 120 million mobile network users. The ban is likely to drive increased use of VPNs, potentially affecting overall Internet speeds. The government has cited the spread of rumors and fake news on these platforms as the main reason for the restrictions, especially amid ongoing student demonstrations and violence related to the quota reform movement​.

*This is a developing story.