The government has said it will not shut down the internet during the electioneering period.
ICT CS Joe Mucheru says they will not shut down the internet nor suspend Facebook has been claimed.
Mucheru was reacting to claims that the National Integration and Cohesion Commission (NCIC) had threatened to close down Facebook in Kenya over a hate speech breach.
The CS says the media, including Social Media, will continue to operate without any interference.
“Media, including social media, will continue to enjoy PRESS FREEDOM in Kenya. Not clear what legal framework NCIC plans to use to suspend Facebook. Govt is on record. We are NOT shutting down the Internet.”
On Friday NCIC wrote to Meta, the company that owns Facebook, over limited controls in moderating content on the platform ahead of August polls.
A report handed over to the Commission by Global Witness revealed Facebook’s failure to detect ads with hate speech messages.
“If Facebook doesn’t comply with requirements we have set out within seven days, we will recommend they suspend their operations. We will not allow Facebook to jeopardise our national security”, NCIC’s Dr David Makori said.
The Kenya Kwanza coalition has alleged that the government is planning to shut down the internet during the August 9 polls.
