Meta blocks TikTok and ByteDance advertising across seven countries

Meta has placed a total ban on advertisements and marketing messages from TikTok owner ByteDance across its platforms. Android Headlines, The Verge, and Engadget all reported on the restriction. The prohibition came into effect on Thursday and targets ByteDance along with third-party advertisements that link to TikTok, as confirmed by Bloomberg and reported by Engadget. [1][2][3]

The restriction applies in seven countries. Engadget reported that the ban is active in the United States, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Meta spokesperson Christopher Sgro told The Verge that declining promotional services to a competitor whose goal is to pull people off their applications is a normal business practice. [2][3]

The restriction follows earlier competitive moves between the two companies. Engadget reported that TikTok previously banned Instagram and Facebook profile links on its own platform. Meta operates an advertising network across its services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, with head offices located in Menlo Park, California. [3][11]