Saudis launch TikTok boycott over removal of national content

A boycott of TikTok began on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, after Saudi users called for action on social media to protest what they described as the removal of videos and posts supporting Saudi Arabia and its leadership, as well as the restriction of national content on the platform.

The campaign, launched under the slogan "Saudi Arabia is a red line," calls for a three-day boycott by logging out of accounts, deleting the app, and refraining from using it. Participants aim to send a message of protest to the platform's management regarding its policies toward Saudi content.

Users have shared experiences and complaints about the deletion of patriotic clips and comments, and the reduced reach of some posts. They argue these actions require clarification from TikTok about its content review standards, how they are applied, and whether posts are treated equally.

The widespread calls reflect participants' desire to emphasize the importance of respecting content that expresses pride in the Kingdom and its leadership, and to reject any practices they see as limiting its visibility or reach, especially as digital platforms have become a major part of daily life and a key means of expression and communication.

The campaign has revived debate from 2023, when TikTok denied targeting content related to Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its support for the Saudi user community and urging those affected by content or account removals to submit review requests through official channels.

The actual impact of the boycott remains to be seen, as no verified data is yet available on the scale of participation or its effect on the platform.