Kenya Orders TikTok to Remove Sexual Content Involving Minors Following BBC Investigation

The Communications Authority of Kenya directed TikTok to remove sexual content involving minors following a BBC investigation. CA condemned violations of child protection laws and launched an inquiry into the matter. TikTok must explain its moderation failures and enhance child protection efforts while public awareness campaigns are initiated to educate parents.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has mandated TikTok to eliminate all sexual content involving minors from its platform. This order follows a BBC investigation uncovering alarming instances of child exploitation via TikTok’s livestream features within the nation. CA Director General David Mugonyi denounced these violations, highlighting their inconsistency with both Kenyan and international child protection laws and online safety standards.

In light of the rigorous findings from the BBC report titled “TikTok Profiting from Sexual Livestreams in Kenya Involving Children,” published on March 3, 2025, Director Mugonyi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “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.”

The CA has initiated a formal investigation alongside pertinent government agencies to assess the severity of the reported breaches and ensure accountability for the violations. In this context, TikTok must clarify why such harmful content has managed to circumvent its moderation efforts, providing a detailed plan to enhance safeguarding measures designed to protect children.

Mugonyi emphasized, “We are directing TikTok to explain how offensive content is able to 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.”

In addition to regulatory measures, the CA is launching comprehensive public awareness initiatives to guide parents and guardians on protecting children online. The CA reiterated its dedication to fostering a safe digital environment, urging all online platforms to adhere to existing legal and ethical standards that prioritize child welfare.

In summary, the Communications Authority of Kenya has taken decisive action against TikTok in response to severe concerns regarding the exploitation of minors on the platform. Through a combination of direct orders, public education efforts, and collaboration with other agencies, CA aims to ensure a safer online experience for children while holding TikTok accountable for its content moderation flaws.

Original Source: allafrica.com