A collage of CA headquarters and a TikTok logo on phone/FILE
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued five demands to TikTok over claims of sexual content involving minors.
This follows media reports on alleged involvement of minors in the sale of sexual content via livestream on TikTok.
CA said the allegations raise serious issues regarding the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including children, and the adequacy of content moderation on digital platforms operating within Kenya.
The Authority said Kenya has robust laws in place to address online child protection. In response to the allegations, TikTok, however, said the company has zero tolerance for exploitation.
"While it is disappointing that the media outlet refused to share their findings, limiting our ability to investigate their claims and further safeguard our community, TikTok has zero tolerance for exploitation,” TikTok spokesperson Pereruan Kenana said.
“We enforce strict safety policies, including robust live content rules, moderation in 70 languages, including Swahili, and we partner with local experts and creators, including our Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, to continually strengthen our approach."
CA said in 2023, the Kenyan government directed TikTok to address its apparent content moderation challenges.
“TikTok committed to enhance regulatory oversight and establish a local office to coordinate operations in Kenya. These new allegations suggest that significant gaps remain in the platform’s enforcement of its policies against solicitation and exploitation,” CA Director General David Mugonyi said.
The Authority has since directed TikTok to actively pull down all sexual content involving minors on their platform, including on livestream.
Mugonyi said they should also launch a formal inquiry into the allegations raised in the report in collaboration with the relevant government agencies to identify any breaches of the law, saying it will not hesitate to issue sanctions.
“Directing TikTok to explain how offensive content can bypass its content moderation mechanisms. TikTok must also present a plan to show how they intend to enhance these mechanisms to strengthen child protection and prevent exploitation of minors on the platform, and demonstrate compliance with Kenyan and international law,” he said.
The Authority wants TikTok to intensify efforts to educate the public, particularly parents and guardians, on Child Online Protection and on the safe use of digital platforms, such as the promotion of the use of parental control tools and safe internet usage practices.
“We reiterate our commitment to fostering a safe, secure, and ethical digital environment for all Kenyans. We also call upon all online service providers operating in Kenya to adhere to prevailing legal and regulatory requirements concerning protection of minors and prevention of dissemination of harmful content,” Mugonyi said.
