Kenya Directs TikTok to Eradicate Minor Sexual Content Following BBC Report
The Communications Authority of Kenya has ordered TikTok to remove sexual content involving minors, following a BBC investigation revealing exploitation on the platform. CA Director General David Mugonyi emphasized the violations of child protection laws and initiated a formal inquiry. TikTok must enhance its moderation systems and provide a child protection plan, while public awareness campaigns will educate caregivers on online safeguarding.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has mandated TikTok to eliminate all sexual content involving minors from its platform. This directive follows a BBC investigation that revealed alarming instances of child exploitation on TikTok livestreams in Kenya. CA Director General David Mugonyi criticized these violations, asserting that they violate both local and international laws safeguarding children and promoting online safety.
In response to the BBC report titled “TikTok Profiting from Sexual Livestreams in Kenya Involving Children,” published on March 3, 2025, Mr. Mugonyi announced that TikTok must take immediate action to remove such content. Furthermore, the CA has initiated a formal inquiry, in conjunction with relevant government bodies, to assess the severity of these violations and ensure that accountability measures are enacted.
TikTok is also required to clarify how its content moderation systems failed to block harmful content. The CA has specifically directed the platform to present a comprehensive plan designed to enhance its child protection measures and prevent the exploitation of minors in the future. Additionally, the CA is increasing public awareness efforts to educate parents and guardians on how to protect children online.
The CA emphasized its dedication to maintaining a secure digital environment and urged all online platforms to adhere to legal and ethical standards related to child protection. The authority further called on all service providers operating in Kenya to comply with existing legal frameworks that guard against the dissemination of harmful content to minors.
In conclusion, the Communications Authority of Kenya has taken decisive action against TikTok in response to a BBC investigation highlighting the exploitation of minors on the platform. By demanding the removal of such content and initiating inquiries into the platform’s moderation failures, the CA is reinforcing its commitment to child safety online. This action, coupled with public awareness campaigns, aims to foster a more secure digital space for children in Kenya.
Original Source: allafrica.com
