Summary: In 2026, TikTok is not completely banned worldwide. Around 12 countries have imposed complete bans on TikTok, while approximately 19 countries have restricted its use on government devices only. Major countries such as the United States and Canada have also moved toward easing certain restrictions. The most important trend is a shift from completely banning the platform toward protecting minors, with many countries introducing limits on social media use for children and teenagers.
Countries With Complete or Partial TikTok Bans
Several countries have completely banned TikTok or restricted its public use for different reasons. In 2020, India imposed a complete ban on TikTok following a border dispute. Afghanistan banned TikTok in 2022 under the Taliban government, citing concerns that the platform could mislead young people. Iran has also restricted TikTok along with Facebook, X, and several other platforms. Jordan imposed a ban in December 2022 following videos related to the death of a police officer. Kyrgyzstan banned TikTok in August 2023, citing concerns about its negative effects on children’s development.
In China, the international version of TikTok is not available for domestic use. Instead, Chinese users have access to the country’s local version of the platform, known as Douyin. Indonesia restricted TikTok Shop, the platform’s e-commerce function, in 2023, although TikTok itself has not been completely banned in the country as of 2026.
As a neighboring country, Pakistan’s situation is particularly noteworthy. The issue of a complete TikTok ban in Pakistan is still being considered by the courts in 2026. The Peshawar High Court heard the case, in which the petitioner alleged that offensive and immoral content was being uploaded on TikTok and requested a permanent ban on the platform.
The court made the Social Media Protection and Regulation Authority (SMPRA) a party to the case and ordered it to submit a response within two weeks. A lawyer representing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority told the court that millions of immoral or objectionable videos had been blocked, although monitoring individual videos in real time remains difficult. TikTok is currently still accessible in Pakistan because the court has not issued an order imposing a complete ban.
United States and Canada: Moving Away From a Complete Ban
The situation surrounding TikTok in the United States changed significantly in 2026. On September 25, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order approving the establishment of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, a U.S. data-security joint venture designed to address concerns surrounding the platform.
The joint venture is primarily owned by American investors. Oracle, Silver Lake, and the United Arab Emirates-based MGX each hold a 15% stake. Together, U.S. investors hold 80.1%, while ByteDance retains a 19.9% stake. The arrangement was intended to prevent a complete nationwide TikTok ban in the United States, allowing more than 200 million American users to continue using the platform.
Although restrictions at the federal level have been eased, many U.S. states and government agencies still restrict TikTok on official government devices. These restrictions are generally focused on government equipment and cybersecurity concerns rather than banning TikTok for the entire population.
Canada has also experienced a change in its approach. Canada restricted TikTok on government devices in 2023. However, in 2026, Canada’s Federal Court overturned an order requiring the company’s Canadian business operations to be shut down and called for the matter to be reconsidered. As a result, a complete nationwide TikTok ban is not currently in effect in Canada.
Europe and Australia: Restrictions on Minors Are the Main Trend
European countries are increasingly focusing on limiting social media access for minors rather than completely banning platforms for everyone. France introduced legislation in 2026 restricting access to TikTok and other social media platforms for children under 15. Companies that fail to comply may face penalties of up to 4% of their global revenue.
Denmark announced restrictions on social media use for children under 15, while parental consent may allow children over 13 to use certain platforms. In Germany, parental consent is required for minors between 13 and 16 to use social media. In Italy, parental consent is required for children under 14 to create social media accounts.
Australia introduced a major social media restriction in December 2025, becoming the first country to implement a law restricting people under 16 from using major social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Platforms that fail to comply may face maximum penalties of approximately AUD 49.5 million.
The United Kingdom also announced plans in 2026 to restrict social media use by people under 16, with full implementation expected by 2027. Indonesia introduced restrictions from March 2026 for children under 16 using platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Roblox.
Malaysia introduced restrictions in June 2026 preventing users under 16 from registering social media accounts. Brazil also introduced restrictions on social media use by children under 16 from March 2026, with identity verification or facial-recognition-based age verification being considered as part of the system.
Overview of TikTok’s Technology and Advertising Policies
TikTok also maintains strict advertising policies governing the type of content and information that can appear in advertisements. According to its advertising policies, advertisements cannot expose sensitive personal information such as income, bank account numbers, or network identification information.
Advertising content involving discrimination, harassment, bullying, or insulting behavior is prohibited. Advertisements must also comply with TikTok’s requirements regarding appropriate language and content, and the information presented in an advertisement should be consistent with its landing page.
TikTok also requires advertisements to meet basic quality standards, including appropriate spelling and grammar. Video advertisements generally need to be between 5 and 60 seconds in length, depending on the applicable advertising format and policy.
TikTok has also continued updating its advertising policies in 2026. These updates include changes concerning areas such as cosmetic surgery, contraception, weight management, alcohol, and other regulated or sensitive categories.
Conclusion
The global status of TikTok in 2026 cannot simply be described as either completely banned or completely unrestricted. The reality is more complicated. Around 12 countries have imposed complete bans, while approximately 19 countries have restricted TikTok specifically on government devices.
The United States has avoided a nationwide ban through an ownership and joint-venture arrangement, while Canada has also moved away from a complete shutdown of TikTok’s business operations. At the same time, many countries are introducing targeted restrictions rather than banning the platform for everyone.
The most significant global trend is the shift from platform-wide bans toward restrictions aimed at specific groups, particularly minors. Governments are increasingly focusing on protecting children and teenagers from potential risks associated with social media use.
For Pakistan, the situation remains unresolved. The case concerning a possible complete TikTok ban is still before the court, and the final decision will determine whether the platform continues to operate without a nationwide ban or faces further restrictions.