Meta blocks TikTok advertisements across seven markets

Meta has announced an immediate ban on advertisements promoting TikTok and other ByteDance-owned platforms across seven countries, escalating competition between the social media giants.

According to Medical Marketing and Media, the restrictions affect the United States, Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The policy covers ByteDance, its subsidiaries and third-party advertisers directing users to TikTok through Meta’s platforms.

“We don’t have to run ads from a competitor whose goal is to pull people off our apps. Declining promotional services to a competitor is a normal business practice across industries. We will continue to compete on product quality and user experience,” a Meta spokesperson said.

Meta accused ByteDance of using its advertising services to attract users away from Facebook and Instagram.

The decision could affect brands, marketing agencies and creators promoting TikTok accounts, partnerships and downloads.

TikTok has not publicly responded to the restrictions.

The development follows growing competition between both companies for advertising revenue, creators and users globally.