By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Kenyan authorities have cracked down on TikTok, ordering the popular social media platform to take down sexual content featuring minors.
The move comes after a BBC investigative report exposed the exploitation of Kenyan teenagers, some as young as 15, on the platform.
The report revealed that TikTok was profiting from sexual livestreams performed by Kenyan teenagers.
The Communications Authority of Kenya has launched a formal inquiry into the matter and warned TikTok that it “will not hesitate to issue sanctions” if any violations of the law are identified.
The regulatory body has also demanded that TikTok explain how its content moderation mechanisms failed to detect the offensive material.
This is not the first time TikTok has faced criticism for its handling of user safety and data protection.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of minors on social media platforms and the need for stricter regulations to prevent online exploitation.
Kenyan law criminalises online child exploitation, and the authorities have shown a willingness to take action against those who violate this law.
Just this week, a Dutch national was sentenced to 10 years in prison for exposing minors to pornographic content via WhatsApp.
TikTok has faced criticism globally for its handling of user safety and data protection.
The platform has been accused of failing to adequately moderate its content, allowing harmful and offensive material to spread.
This latest incident is likely to add to the pressure on the platform to reform its practices and prioritize user safety.
The Kenyan government’s swift action against TikTok sends a strong message that online exploitation will not be tolerated.
As social media platforms continue to grow in popularity, it is essential that governments and regulators take steps to protect vulnerable users, particularly minors.
The outcome of this incident will be closely watched, and its implications could have far-reaching consequences for social media platforms operating in Kenya and beyond.
