The Communications Authority of Kenya has ordered TikTok to remove sexual content involving minors after a BBC investigation revealed exploitation cases. The authority is conducting an inquiry and requiring TikTok to improve its content moderation and child protection plans. Additionally, public awareness campaigns for online safety are being intensified.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has mandated TikTok to eliminate all sexual content involving minors found on its platform. This directive followed a BBC investigation revealing severe cases of child exploitation through TikTok livestreams. CA Director General David Mugonyi condemned these violations in a report dated March 3, 2025, highlighting that such activities breach Kenyan and international child protection laws.
Mugonyi emphasized the importance of swift action, stating that TikTok must remove the flagged content immediately. Furthermore, a formal inquiry has been initiated in partnership with relevant government bodies to assess the extent of these infractions and ensure accountability.
In addition, TikTok has been tasked with clarifying how harmful content escapes its moderation systems. The platform must develop a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing protections for children and preventing future exploitation. Mugonyi noted the necessity of TikTok to provide an explanation regarding these oversight failures and outline strategies for improvement.
To complement regulatory efforts, the CA is boosting public awareness initiatives aimed at educating parents and guardians about online safety for children. The authority remains committed to fostering a secure digital environment and has urged all online service providers in Kenya to adhere to the legal and ethical standards regarding child safety.
The CA reiterated its call for compliance across all digital platforms operating in the country, emphasizing the importance of protecting minors and preventing the circulation of harmful content.
The Communications Authority of Kenya has taken decisive measures to ensure TikTok removes all sexual content involving minors. Following a BBC exposé, these actions include a formal inquiry and demands for TikTok to enhance child protection mechanisms. The CA is also focused on raising awareness among guardians about online safety, underscoring its commitment to secure digital practices and the protection of children from exploitation.
Original Source: allafrica.com
