Kenya's communications watchdog has hit TikTok with five demands after hearing reports about kids selling sexual content through live videos. The Communications Authority expressed serious concerns about children being exploited on digital platforms across Kenya. They reminded everyone that Kenya already has tough laws protecting children online. TikTok responded by saying they completely ban any form of exploitation.
TikTok rep Pereruan Kenana felt frustrated because news outlets wouldn't share their findings with the company. This made it harder for TikTok to check these claims and better protect users. Kenana explained that TikTok has strict safety rules and reviews content in 70 languages, including Swahili. They also team up with local experts to keep improving their safety approach.
Kenyan officials had already told TikTok to fix its content screening problems back in 2023. At that time, TikTok promised to step up its oversight and open an office in Kenya. David Mugonyi, who heads the Communications Authority, thinks these new allegations show TikTok still has big holes in how it stops exploitation and inappropriate requests.
The Authority has ordered TikTok to take down all sexual content involving children right away, including stuff on livestreams. They want TikTok to start an official investigation with government agencies to find any broken laws. Mugonyi made it clear they'll punish TikTok if needed.
Officials asked TikTok to explain why bad content keeps slipping through its filters. They want TikTok to show plans for better-protecting kids and stopping their exploitation. TikTok also needs to prove it follows both Kenyan and global laws about content and safety.
The Authority wants TikTok to teach more people, especially parents, about keeping kids safe online. This means showing them how to use parental controls and browse safely. Mugonyi stressed their goal of making the internet safe for all Kenyans and reminded all online companies they must follow the rules about protecting children.
TikTok rep Pereruan Kenana felt frustrated because news outlets wouldn't share their findings with the company. This made it harder for TikTok to check these claims and better protect users. Kenana explained that TikTok has strict safety rules and reviews content in 70 languages, including Swahili. They also team up with local experts to keep improving their safety approach.
Kenyan officials had already told TikTok to fix its content screening problems back in 2023. At that time, TikTok promised to step up its oversight and open an office in Kenya. David Mugonyi, who heads the Communications Authority, thinks these new allegations show TikTok still has big holes in how it stops exploitation and inappropriate requests.
The Authority has ordered TikTok to take down all sexual content involving children right away, including stuff on livestreams. They want TikTok to start an official investigation with government agencies to find any broken laws. Mugonyi made it clear they'll punish TikTok if needed.
Officials asked TikTok to explain why bad content keeps slipping through its filters. They want TikTok to show plans for better-protecting kids and stopping their exploitation. TikTok also needs to prove it follows both Kenyan and global laws about content and safety.
The Authority wants TikTok to teach more people, especially parents, about keeping kids safe online. This means showing them how to use parental controls and browse safely. Mugonyi stressed their goal of making the internet safe for all Kenyans and reminded all online companies they must follow the rules about protecting children.
