Somalia
Africa
Age Verification Compliance Overview
This page provides comprehensive age verification and compliance information for Somalia. Our research team continuously monitors regulatory changes, enforcement actions, and legal developments to ensure businesses have access to up-to-date compliance intelligence.
Somalia has implemented a complete prohibition on age-restricted adult content, classified as "Banned". This ban typically includes website blocking, payment processing restrictions, and potential criminal penalties for violations. Businesses should not attempt to operate in this jurisdiction without explicit legal counsel, as enforcement may include criminal prosecution, substantial fines, and reputational damage.
The information below includes regulatory status, legal requirements, enforcement mechanisms, penalties for non-compliance, acceptable verification methods, and relevant regulatory authorities. This data is essential for platforms, content providers, and businesses that need to implement age-appropriate access controls or verify user ages.
Please note: Adult content access is currently prohibited in Somalia. This ban may affect website accessibility, payment processing, and service availability. Businesses should consult legal counsel before operating in this jurisdiction.
Minimum Age
N/A (Banned)
Content is completely prohibited
Age Gate Required
No
No verification required
Last Verified
10/12/2025
Most recent data update
Regulatory Timeline
Historical changes and upcoming regulatory events
- Banned
Cabinet Approves Cybercrime Bill: Somalia’s Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, approved the Cybercrime Bill, designed to create a robust legal framework addressing cybercrime and protecting 'public morality'. This bill is expected to become law.
- Banned
Crackdown on Social Media Users Posting Unethical Content: Somali authorities cracked down on social media users, apprehending 40 suspects for 'disrupting public order' and 'spreading immorality' with their content.
- Banned
Social Media Platform Shutdown Takes Effect: The government's decision to shut down access to TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBET officially took effect, requiring compliance from privately run telecom companies.
- Banned
Government Announces Intent to Shut Down Social Media Platforms: Somalia's government announced its intent to shut down access to TikTok, Telegram, and 1XBET, citing concerns over content 'disproportionately harming youth' and spreading 'nude images and other material seen as offensive to Somali culture and Islam'.
- Banned
Justice Minister Signs Children's Age Verification Policy: The federal Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs signed Somalia’s Children Age Verification Policy to elevate the children’s justice system to international standards.
- Banned
NCA Engages TikTok on Content Compliance: The National Communications Authority (NCA) Chairman met with TikTok officials to discuss compliance with Somali laws and alignment of content/services with 'social and religious values of the Somali people'.
Data Sources
Legal documents and references supporting this data
Showing 5 of 20 sources
mustaqbalmedia.netsomalia-approves-cybercrime-bill-to-enhance-online-safety
lawgratis.comcyber-law-at-somalia-2
nyu-liferay.cgph.home.nyu.eduporn-in-somalia
moct.gov.socabinet-approves-cybercrime-bill-to-safeguard-digital-security-and-national-interests
techafricanews.comsomalia-approves-cybercrime-bill-to-combat-online-threats-and-safeguard-economy
All sources are evaluated for credibility and relevance. Primary sources indicate official legal documents and government publications. Credibility scores reflect source reliability based on jurisdiction, publication authority, and verification status.
Related Countries
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Regulatory Authorities
Regulator contacts will appear here as they become available.