Meta bans TikTok and ByteDance ads in 7 countries
Meta has blocked advertising from TikTok's US minority owner ByteDance and third-party TikTok campaigns in the US, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Meta has banned advertising and marketing from ByteDance, the US minority owner of TikTok, across its platforms in seven countries, according to Engadget. The ban covers the United States, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. It also extends to third-party advertisers running TikTok-linked campaigns in those markets.
Meta spokesperson Chris Sgro said the company does not have to run ads from a competitor. Meta framed the move as a normal business practice.
The decision follows earlier restrictions between the two companies. TikTok previously banned Instagram and Facebook profile links, while Meta placed ads in major newspapers demanding similar moves from its rivals.
Background
In August, Meta agreed to an $18 billion settlement with US states that also forced it to implement child safety features on Facebook and Instagram. This summer, European regulators wrote that TikTok has not done enough to ensure minors' safety and that it could impose a fine of up to 6% of the platform's annual revenue.
Quick answers
Which countries are affected by Meta's ban on TikTok and ByteDance ads?
The ban applies in the US, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Does the ban cover third-party advertisers?
Yes, it also applies to third-party advertisers running TikTok-linked campaigns in those countries.
Why did Meta ban the ads?
Meta spokesperson Chris Sgro said the company does not have to run ads from a competitor, calling it a normal business practice.