Bridget Connect Consultancy, a consulting firm, signed a petition in August 2023, urging for the closure of TikTok due to concerns about explicit content and shady activities.
Kenya’s Interior Ministry is now taking action to ensure government officials protect sensitive data and citizens’ security by considering restrictions on TikTok use.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki informed parliament about worries within the National Security Council regarding social media threats, including those posed by TikTok.
The government is contemplating banning public officials from using TikTok until a formal policy is established, aiming to safeguard sensitive information.
These decisions stem from rising concerns about TikTok’s content, especially its impact on young users, prompting calls for its shutdown
To address these issues, TikTok has partnered with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate to promote online safety among African youth and parents.
Furthermore, Kenya is evaluating TikTok’s compliance with data protection laws, with potential repercussions if the platform fails to comply.
Despite being the world’s highest TikTok user per capita, with 54% using it for general purposes and 29% for news, Kenya is considering regulatory measures.
During discussions led by Kuria East MP Marwa Gitayama, questions arose about existing policies regarding TikTok use among government officials.
While no formal policy is in place yet, the National Security Council is actively reviewing the matter, suggesting limitations on TikTok usage.
This decision will determine potential restrictions on TikTok use by government officials and certain age groups in Kenya.
The Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy announced a review of social media laws in August 2023, reflecting ongoing efforts to address these concerns.
This isn’t the first time Kenya has considered banning TikTok, as previous petitions raised issues such as foul language, explicit content, and data insecurity.
TikTok has attempted to address these concerns by collaborating with the Kenyan government to moderate content and establish a Nairobi office.
While Kenya deliberates, other African nations like Somalia have already banned TikTok due to misinformation, hate speech, and inappropriate content.
However, the Senegalese government awaits a consensus on regulation before lifting its ban, while Egypt and Uganda also contemplate restrictions on the platform.
Amid global scrutiny, TikTok’s collaboration with the African Union underscores efforts to promote online safety across the continent.
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