The Communications Authority of Kenya has ordered TikTok to remove all sexual content involving minors following a BBC investigation. The authority is conducting an inquiry into the situation while pressing TikTok for improvement in its moderation systems. The CA is promoting public awareness to help protect children online and urges all online platforms to comply with relevant child protection laws.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has mandated TikTok to eliminate all sexual content involving minors from its platform. This decision comes in the wake of a BBC investigation that unveiled alarming instances of child exploitation through TikTok’s livestreams in the region. The report, entitled “TikTok Profiting from Sexual Livestreams in Kenya Involving Children,” highlighted serious violations of child protection laws, both domestically and internationally.
CA Director General David Mugonyi expressed strong disapproval of the violations, emphasizing their contravention of legal standards aimed at safeguarding children. “In response to this report by the BBC, we are directing TikTok to actively pull down all sexual content involving minors on their platform including on livestreams,” stated Mugonyi.
Furthermore, the authority has initiated a formal investigation alongside governmental bodies to assess the magnitude of these violations and to ensure accountability. TikTok is also requested to clarify how harmful content managed to evade its moderation systems and to present a comprehensive strategy for improving its measures to protect children.
“We are directing TikTok to explain how offensive content is able to bypass its content moderation mechanisms,” stated Mugonyi. He highlighted the need for TikTok to provide a robust plan to enhance its protocols for child protection.
In addition to regulatory measures, the CA is amplifying public awareness initiatives to inform parents and guardians about keeping children safe online. The authority reiterated its dedication to creating a secure online environment, urging all digital platforms to conform to necessary ethical and legal obligations to protect minors.
The Communications Authority of Kenya’s directive to TikTok highlights the urgent need for action against the presence of sexual content involving minors on social media platforms. The initiative includes an investigation into the extent of such violations and requires TikTok to improve its content moderation practices. The CA’s emphasis on public education underscores the importance of parents being proactive in ensuring the safety of children in digital spaces. This case reflects broader concerns regarding child protection online, calling for vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders.
Original Source: allafrica.com
