After a BBC exposé revealing that TikTok profited from sexual live streams in Kenya involving children, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) announced plans to take down select videos from the platform.
In a statement on Thursday, March 6, CA said it is directing TikTok to actively pull down all sexual content involving minors on their platform, including on livestreams.
The authority also stated that it is launching a formal inquiry into the allegations raised in the report in collaboration with the relevant government agencies to identify any breaches of the law.
“CA will not hesitate to issue sanctions,” read the statement in part.
CA to Pull Down Select Videos After BBC Exposé
The regulatory authority further stated that it is directing TikTok to explain how offensive content manages to bypass its content moderation mechanisms.
“TikTok must also present a plan to show how they intend to enhance these mechanisms to strengthen child protection and prevent exploitation of minors on the platform, and demonstrate compliance with Kenyan and international law,” the statement read further.
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At the same time, the authority said it is intensifying efforts to educate the public, particularly parents and guardians, on Child Online Protection and on the safe use of digital platforms, such as promotion of use of parental control tools and safe internet usage practices.
“We reiterate our commitment to fostering a safe, secure and ethical digital environment for all Kenyans,” CA noted.
“We also call upon all online service providers operating in Kenya to adhere to prevailing legal and regulatory requirements with respect to protection of minors and prevention of dissemination of harmful content.”
BBC Expose on TikTok Sharing Sexual Content
The BBC report alleged that minors were involved in selling sexual content via live streams on TikTok, with the platform reportedly taking a significant commission from the earnings.
According to the exposé, three women in Kenya said they used TikTok to openly advertise and negotiate payment for explicit content, which was then shared through other messaging platforms.
It was further revealed that TikTok takes a cut of about 70% from all livestream transactions.
Also Read: Easy Steps to Protect Your TikTok Account from Hackers
The report also disclosed that coded sexual slang was used in some livestreams to advertise sexual services.
At the same time, it was disclosed that TikTok users with a big following can act as digital pimps – hosting the livestreams selling sexual content.
Some of them have backup accounts, indicating they have been banned or suspended by TikTok in the past.
“We have spoken to teenage girls and young women who say they are spending up to six or seven hours a night on the activity and making on average £30 (at least Ksh 5,000) a day – enough to pay for a week’s food and transport,” BBC stated.
Govt to go After TikTok
In response, CA cited the Films and Stage Plays Act (Cap 222), which mandates the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) to regulate and classify content to protect minors.
The authority also highlighted the Children Act (Cap 141), which aligns with international child rights standards, and the Data Protection Act (Cap 411C), which safeguards children’s personal data from exploitation.
CA further stated that in 2023, the Kenyan government directed TikTok to address its content moderation challenges.
The platform committed to enhancing regulatory oversight and establishing a local office to coordinate its operations in Kenya.
“These new allegations suggest that significant gaps remain in the platform’s enforcement of its own policies against solicitation and exploitation,” CA acknowledged.
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