The National Assembly is considering a petition seeking regulation of TikTok in Kenya.
Members of Parliament are now backing measures that balance user protection with the benefits of social media innovation and growing the digital economy.
In its report on the petition regarding Regulation of TikTok in Kenya, the Public Petitions Committee 𝗿𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗻, noting it would infringe on fundamental rights and stifle digital economic growth.
The Committee instead recommended robust regulation and compliance monitoring of social media platforms operating in the country.
“The total ban of TikTok is not tenable,” said MP Karumba Muchangi, the chairperson of the Public Petitions Committee, adding that social media has become an essential tool for communication, creativity, and entrepreneurship among the youth.
While seconding the motion, Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang said, “I am glad we are not moving in the direction of banning Tiktok, we are moving in the direction of content regulation to safeguard minors.”
Members of Parliament also want TikTok and other platforms to introduce monetisation policies that enable Kenyan creators to earn directly from their content.
“Some of the good things we have from Tiktok is our youth are able to socialise and gainful employment and civic engagament,” pointed out MP Mille Odhiambo.
MPs proposal on how to protect Kenyans using TikTok
The Committee in its Report urged the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy to collaborate on enhancing user protection and cybersecurity on social media platforms, including TikTok.
The two ministries are expected to report to the House within four months on mechanisms for stronger age verification, data localisation, and digital literacy programmes on privacy and responsible use.
“As a child protection expert, we must find away to protect minors against exploitation and explicit sexual content on social media platforms. There is certain content that should not be accessible by our minors. We must confront these issues head on,” added MP Mille Odhiambo.
Further, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has been directed to engage social media platforms to assess compliance with the Data Protection Act, Cap. 411C, and to ensure that user data is processed under Kenyan laws.
The Committee also called for amendments to the Kenya Information and Communications Act, Cap. 411A to empower the Communications Authority of Kenya to regulate social media platforms.
Additionally, it proposed that the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy monitor content moderation systems to ensure they reflect Kenyan values and languages, with adequate human moderators and psychosocial support.
