Ethiopian police have arrested nine TikTok content creators this week for allegedly violating public morality in the culturally conservative country. Authorities say six were detained over “indecent attire” worn at the Ethiopia Creative Awards held two weeks ago, while others were arrested for their social media content, including an alleged “inappropriate act” during a TikTok livestream.
The arrests have sparked widespread debate on Ethiopian social media, raising questions about cultural norms, freedom of expression, and the regulation of digital content.
Supporters of the police action argue that social media influencers should respect Ethiopia’s cultural and moral values, especially in public events and livestreams viewed by young audiences. They say stricter enforcement is necessary to curb content seen as harmful or offensive.
Critics, however, warn that the arrests could have a chilling effect on creativity and online expression, as TikTok continues to grow as a major platform for entertainment and income generation among Ethiopian youth.