Kenya Orders TikTok to Remove Sexual Content Involving Minors

Kenyan authorities have ordered TikTok to remove sexual content involving minors following a BBC report revealing exploitation. An inquiry has been initiated, with implications of sanctions if legal violations are found. TikTok is under scrutiny regarding its content moderation, amidst broader concerns over its influence and operations globally.

Kenyan authorities have mandated TikTok to remove sexual content involving minors following a BBC investigation that highlighted the exploitation of Kenyan teenagers, some as young as 15, through sexual livestreams. This inquiry comes after the report exposed how the platform reportedly profited from these activities.
The Communications Authority of Kenya has confirmed the initiation of a formal investigation and has warned TikTok that it will impose sanctions for any legal violations. New legislation in Kenya criminalizes online child exploitation, recently leading to a Dutch national receiving a ten-year prison sentence for exposing minors to pornographic material via WhatsApp.
The regulatory body has also requested TikTok to provide an explanation regarding how such offensive material can bypass their content moderation systems. Given its status as the third most popular social media platform in Kenya, following Facebook and WhatsApp, TikTok is notably appealing to young users, boasting over one billion active users globally.
The app has previously faced scrutiny for alleged espionage in the United States and is under investigation by the European Union due to claims of its role in influencing Romania’s presidential election. In response to ongoing concerns, several countries have barred personnel from state institutions from using this platform.

In summary, Kenyan authorities have taken significant action against TikTok regarding the dissemination of sexual content involving minors, emphasizing their commitment to safeguarding children from exploitation. The investigation by the Communications Authority of Kenya underlines the need for accountability among social media platforms in content moderation. As the landscape of social media continues to evolve, regulatory bodies must remain vigilant to ensure that young users are protected.

Original Source: gulfnews.com