DRC Government: TikTok Must Regularize Operations by June 30

• The DRC government has operationalized a Digital Code and implemented regulations for digital service providers, with reported restrictions on TikTok and other social media apps, due to concerns around online safety and intellectual property protection.
• The proposed measure has sparked concerns within the Congolese music industry, which relies heavily on digital platforms like TikTok for promotion and revenue.
• A shutdown of TikTok in the DRC could have far-reaching implications for businesses operating in the region, including disruptions to online engagement and brand reputation.

The implemented regulations and reported restrictions on TikTok and other social media apps raise questions about the balance between regulation and innovation in the DRC's digital economy.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has operationalized a Digital Code (Ordinance-Law No. 23/010) with new ministerial orders in March 2026, requiring digital service providers, including social media platforms, to regularize their operations by June 30, 2026. This move, alongside reported internet restrictions on platforms like TikTok, has sparked concerns within the country's cultural and social media communities. The situation is particularly relevant for the Congolese music industry, which has seen significant growth in recent years due to digital platforms like TikTok.

The DRC government's efforts to regulate social media usage are part of a broader initiative to assert control over online content, formalized by the Digital Code (Ordinance-Law No. 23/010) established in 2023 and operationalized with ministerial orders in March 2026. While a 2020 Telecommunications and ICT Framework exists, the Digital Code and its implementing orders now impose strict regulations on digital service providers, including requirements for authorization or declaration, and compliance with local data storage and processing, as well as submission to regular audits and inspections. All service providers have a grace period until June 30, 2026, to regularize their situation.

The implemented regulations under the Digital Code, and reported restrictions on TikTok and other social media apps, are likely aimed at addressing concerns around online safety, security, and intellectual property protection. However, critics argue that such measures could have unintended consequences for the country's digital economy and cultural exchange.

The operationalization of the Digital Code and reported restrictions on TikTok in the DRC have far-reaching implications for businesses operating in the region. Lawyers advising clients on social media presence should be aware of the risks associated with a sudden disruption to online engagement and brand reputation. The Congolese music industry, which relies heavily on digital platforms like TikTok, stands to lose significant revenue and exposure if the app is shut down.

Moreover, the implemented regulations and reported restrictions on TikTok and other social media apps raise questions about the balance between regulation and innovation in the DRC's digital economy. As the country continues to navigate its complex relationship with online content, it must also consider the potential consequences for its cultural landscape and economic development.

Lawyers advising clients on social media presence should watch for potential disruptions to online engagement and brand reputation, as a TikTok shutdown in the DRC could have far-reaching implications for businesses operating in the region.

Source: Original reporting via Musique congolaise : entre rayonnement numérique et menace de fermeture de TikTok