TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform owned by Chinese technology giant ByteDance, has pledged to implement content moderation in Kenya. This commitment comes in response to growing concerns about the app’s potential ban in the country. The announcement was made after a call between TikTok’s chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, and Kenyan President William Ruto.
In a statement from Ruto’s office, it was revealed that TikTok would collaborate with Kenya to review and monitor the content on its platform. The objective of this cooperation is to ensure that inappropriate or offensive material is removed. The statement also mentioned President Ruto’s proposal for TikTok to establish an office in Kenya, which would help coordinate the platform’s operations in Africa. However, no specific details about the arrangement or the office’s timeline were provided.
The decision to address content moderation concerns in Kenya followed a petition presented to the Kenyan parliament calling for a ban on TikTok. The petitioner argued that the platform promoted obscenity, violence, explicit sexual content, and hate speech. Parliament will conduct an investigation into TikTok’s use in Kenya, with a decision expected within the next two months.
TikTok has faced increasing global scrutiny over privacy and security concerns, primarily due to its Chinese ownership. The company, however, denies any influence or control from Beijing. To comply with strict European Union regulations, TikTok recently implemented changes that allow users to disable personalized content recommendations based on their interests.
It is worth noting that Somalia’s government also announced a ban on TikTok, citing its use by terrorists for spreading propaganda. This development further emphasizes the need for platforms like TikTok to prioritize content moderation and address concerns related to inappropriate or harmful content.
TikTok’s commitment to content moderation in Kenya is a step towards addressing the concerns raised by critics. By working closely with the Kenyan government, the platform aims to ensure a safer and more responsible user experience. Nevertheless, the decision of whether or not to ban TikTok in Kenya ultimately rests with the outcome of parliament’s investigation. As the situation unfolds, many will be observing how TikTok navigates these challenges and enforces content moderation measures moving forward.
