TikTok has denied imposing restrictions on its platform in parts of Northern Nigeria following weeks of complaints from users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
The platform, according to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, said it was aware of the reported disruption and was engaging relevant stakeholders to resolve the problem.
“We can confirm that this restriction was not implemented by TikTok,” the company said, adding that it remained committed to ensuring access for its community.
The company, however, did not identify the stakeholders involved in the discussions, explain the cause of the disruption or indicate when normal access would be restored.
Complaints about difficulty accessing TikTok began emerging in September, with affected users reporting that videos failed to load, feeds froze during use and attempts to upload content repeatedly failed.
The complaints were concentrated in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto, while users in several other parts of the country continued to access the platform normally.
Some affected users said they could access other applications using the same mobile-data connections but experienced difficulties with TikTok. Others reported that activating virtual private networks (VPNs) enabled them to use the platform.
A VPN routes internet traffic through another server, potentially making a user's connection appear to originate from a different location.
Although some users reported improved access after switching to VPNs, this does not establish who or what caused the disruption.
TikTok's response follows calls by digital-rights organisations for clarification over the access difficulties. Available evidence has not established whether the problem resulted from a platform fault, a network issue, traffic-management measures or a deliberate restriction.
The company's statement offers some clarification on its position but leaves unresolved the cause of the reported disruption and when affected users can expect normal access to be restored.
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