the ban on TikTok is “lifted” in the archipelago, announces the High Commission of the Republic

This ban on TikTok was made possible by the proclamation of a state of emergency on May 15 and the presence of a single telecoms operator in the territory.

The ban on the social network TikTok in New Caledonia was “lift”, announced the authorities of the French archipelago in the South Pacific, Wednesday May 29, after an unprecedented measure taken on May 15 to limit in particular contacts between rioters. This decision was made “to follow the end of the state of emergency measures in the territory” decided by the Elysée, affirms the High Commission of the Republic in a press release.

The government had considered the social network as one of the preferred vectors of communication between groups who committed violence at night. This ban also came against a backdrop of fears of interference and disinformation on social networks from foreign countries seeking to fuel tensions, according to government and security sources, citing China or Azerbaijan.

The Human Rights League, Quadrature du Net and three residents of New Caledonia filed an appeal for interim relief on May 17, considering that this blocking seriously undermined the freedoms of communication and information. But the Council of State, in its decision, took into account the “limited and temporary nature of the measure” blocking, as well as “the public interest in restoring security”. He also noted that “other social networks and media remain accessible”.

Bans on gatherings, sale and transport of weapons and sale of alcohol “are maintained throughout the territory”, specifies the same source, as well as the curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The riots and violence left seven dead, including two police officers. In total, 136 police officers and gendarmes were injured and “nearly 535 individuals were arrested”.

The police and gendarmes continue to secure the municipalities of Païta, Dumbéa and Mont-Dore. In addition, 80 vehicles are mobilized every day to clear the tracks and 141 carcasses were “could have been removed in the last 24 hours in the Pont des Erudits area”. Efforts are focused in particular on the main axis leading to Nouméa – La Tontouta international airport.

Yesterday, continues the High Commission of the Republic, 85 tonnes of goods arrived at Nouméa – La Tontouta airport. A total of 650 containers have been transported since the start of operations at the autonomous port, of which 66 have been delivered in the last 24 hours. Finally, 1,630 French and foreign tourists were evacuated and 430 Caledonian residents returned to the territory.