A social media ban is an official restriction, typically imposed by a government, that blocks access to social networking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or WhatsApp. These bans can be temporary or permanent and are usually enacted for reasons related to national security, public order, or political control. Governments may implement social media bans during periods of unrest, protests, elections, or to prevent the spread of misinformation. Such bans can impact freedom of expression and access to information, affecting both individuals and organizations.