Kenyan authorities have ordered TikTok to remove sexual content involving minors after a BBC report revealed exploitation of teenagers. The Communications Authority of Kenya is conducting an inquiry and may impose sanctions if laws are violated. The case emphasizes the need for stronger protections against online exploitation of minors.
On Thursday, Kenyan authorities mandated TikTok to remove sexual content involving minors after a BBC investigation revealed abuse among Kenyan teenagers, some as young as 15. The report highlighted how the platform has been profiting from inappropriate livestreams among this demographic.
The Communications Authority of Kenya has initiated a formal inquiry into these allegations, warning that sanctions will be enforced if the Chinese video-sharing app is found to be violating any laws. In Kenya, online child exploitation is strictly prohibited, as exemplified by a recent case where a Dutch individual received a ten-year sentence for sharing pornographic content involving minors via WhatsApp.
In addition, the regulatory body has requested an explanation from TikTok regarding how such offensive materials managed to circumvent its content moderation systems. TikTok ranks as Kenya’s third most popular social media platform following Facebook and WhatsApp, appealing prominently to youth with its vast array of short video content.
Globally, TikTok is recognized for having over a billion active users, despite facing various criticisms, including allegations of espionage in the United States and ongoing investigations by the European Union regarding its influence in foreign elections. Additionally, in several nations, the usage of TikTok by government personnel has been prohibited.
The incident underscores the pressing need for stringent enforcement of laws regarding child protection online. With Kenyan authorities taking decisive action against TikTok, it highlights the vital importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation. This situation also raises significant questions regarding the effectiveness of content moderation on popular social media platforms and the responsibility these companies hold in protecting their users.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
