The Electronic Security Service of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport announced a temporary limit on access to the TikTok social network within the country, a report confirmed by Interfax.
According to the service, active restrictions on TikTok began on September 19. Local observers link the move to the sharp uptick in tensions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh.
Meanwhile, European Council President Charles Michel had urged an end to hostilities in the region ahead of this development.
On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan disclosed the launch of an anti-terrorism operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku framed the objective as quelling large-scale provocations and disarming and withdrawing Armenian military units from the area.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has a long history. Clashes resumed in late September 2020, following a period of escalation that began in 1988. The 2020 hostilities persisted for roughly six weeks and brought civilian casualties and the loss of a substantial portion of the region’s territory. After multiple attempts to reach a ceasefire, leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan issued a joint declaration, announcing a ceasefire as of November 10, with Russian peacekeepers subsequently deployed to the region to maintain stability.
Earlier discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan centered on mutual recognition of territorial integrity, with both sides expressing intentions to secure recognized borders and national sovereignties.
In the current context, officials in Azerbaijan have cited security concerns and the aim of restoring order as central to the measures taken, while commentators note the broader implications for information access, regional stability, and international diplomacy. Analysts observe that actions like access restrictions on social platforms often accompany broader security campaigns, raising questions about freedom of information, media rights, and the role of digital platforms in conflict settings. The situation continues to evolve as regional actors and international organizations monitor de-escalation efforts and verify adherence to any ceasefire arrangements. Statements from European and regional leaders highlight calls for restraint and renewed negotiations in pursuit of durable peace, even as security operations unfold on the ground. At the same time, observers stress the importance of accurate reporting and independent verification to ensure that both humanitarian needs and security concerns are addressed in parallel, without further complicating civilian safety or access to essential services.