Arrest warrants have been issued this week for at least five Tunisian content creators accused of “indecent exposure and harassment via social networks,” under the Penal Code.
This move, condemned by human rights advocates, follows a wave of social media controversies and an October 27 Ministry of Justice statement warning that criminal investigations would target anyone “producing, distributing, or publishing images or videos with content that undermines moral values.”
The crackdown has intensified this week as authorities note a surge in social media activity, especially on TikTok and Instagram, that they claim conflicts with “good morals.” One prominent case involves the widely publicized breakup of influencer couple Azizos and Emna, which escalated when TikTok user Nawres attacked them with homophobic remarks and shared their personal details. Another controversy erupted after a surgical procedure was live-streamed on TikTok, sparking widespread criticism.
While some Tunisians support these measures as a way to combat online indecency, many human rights defenders worry it signals a further erosion of freedoms. With over a million TikTok users in Tunisia, these restrictions have considerable impact on the country’s active online community.