FazTimes media: Dubai, UAE — TikTok, the world's most popular short-video app, has deleted well over 1 million videos in the United Arab Emirates alone during the first quarter of 2025. This is considered one of the strongest efforts to manage content in the region so far. Among these, Iraq had the highest number of deletions, with over 10 million videos removed. However, the UAE's approach to quickly and actively removing content is notable, with a 98.2% rate of proactive removals.

A Look at the Numbers

Here's how the MENA region dealt with TikTok's attempts to get rid of harmful content from January to March 2025:

UAE:

More than a million videos were removed.

98.

2% of these were removed before they were reported.
More than 87,000 live streamers were banned.
Over 140,000 livestreams were terminated.
Around 41,148 videos were restored after people appealed the removal.

Iraq:

Over 10 million videos were removed.

99.

5% of these were removed before being reported…
Over 650,000 livestreams were stopped.
More than 209,000 videos were restored after appeals.

Egypt:

9 million videos were taken down…
Over 347,000 live streamers were banned.
Many successful appeals were initiated to restore the videos.

Lebanon:

Three million videos were taken down.
More than 45,000 streams were stopped.

Morocco:

More than a million videos were taken down.

What's Different About TikTok's Plan?

TikTok says that the recent removals of content are part of its plan to improve its moderation tools.

They're doing this to make the space safer, more respectful, and open to everyone.

A company representative explained, "We want TikTok to be a place where creativity can grow in a safe environment. Our aim isn't to control what people share, but to protect users—especially younger ones and those who might be more at risk."

TikTok has also started new programs in the Middle East and North Africa to teach users about what kind of content is acceptable and how to avoid unintentionally breaking the rules.

Is This a Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Many parents and teachers like the new, stricter rules about what kids can watch. Digital policy expert Rashid Al Mazrouei from Dubai believes it's a challenging decision. "Determining the appropriate balance between strictness and safety is a challenging task."

Local TikTok creators are also facing challenges.

"Two of my videos were taken down because TikTok said there was 'misleading information,' but I was just sharing my opinion on a popular topic," said Sara A., a microinfluencer in the UAE with more than 70,000 followers. "Now, we're more careful before posting anything that could be considered sensitive."

What Does It Mean for Parents?

Fatima Al Shamsi, a mother of two teenagers in Sharjah, expressed her satisfaction with the swift removal of harmful or incorrect content. But she still thinks it's important for parents to guide their kids. When we remove a video, we send a message to the creator explaining the reason for the removal. Should they request a review and present a compelling case, the company may reinstate the video.

The Bigger Picture

These changes fit into a bigger trend: tech companies adjusting to local laws and cultural rules while still keeping their global brand image. As platforms like TikTok grow in different parts of the world, it's harder to keep the same rules everywhere.

Social media isn't just about fun anymore—it's a big influence on what people think, how young people act, and even how countries see each other.

Final Thoughts

Taking down more than a million videos in just three months shows how much influence and responsibility platforms like TikTok have nowadays. Whether this action will make the online world safer or limit creative expression is something people will keep discussing.

With platforms enforcing rules more strictly and governments setting tighter digital laws, both content creators and users need to stay educated, alert, and careful.

At FazTimes, we prioritize accuracy, confidence, and strong journalistic standards. To ensure every news story we share is real, we verify it with multiple trustworthy and independent sources.

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