Kenya rules out banning TikTok despite concerns
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ICT Cabinet Secretary rules the possibility of outrightly banning TikTok in Kenya over inappropriate content in the platform
ICT Cabinet Secretary rules the possibility of outrightly banning TikTok in Kenya over inappropriate content in the platform.
ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo stated in an interview on Thursday that the government is instead focusing on collaborating with the global tech company to control the content and remove objectionable stuff.
“We are not banning TikTok but we have to find a way to manage unpalatable content on the platform,” he stated.
The CS pointed out that the only issue with the site is that it promotes explicit and violent content, adding that TikTok may be an excellent platform provided the corporation practices self-regulation.
CS Owalo added it was necessary for the Kenyan government to listen to TikTok to enable the two sides to come up with a viable plan to address the concerns raised by Kenyans and ensure content uploaded by Kenyan creatives is monetized.
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This comes after President William Ruto announced plans to meet TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew in a meeting geared at addressing content concerns and how Kenyans can monetize their content on the ByteDance-owned platform.
Owalo said that in order to establish a successful digital economy, the government was committed to working in conjunction with other players, particularly those in the business sector.
The CS further said that the government intended to set up free WiFi and digital centers all around Kenya, where Kenyans could receive the necessary skills to enable them to find employment.
“Courtesy of the ‘Jitume’ programme, the government has managed to train 336 youth in digital skills and are in the process of securing jobs with ICT companies,” he stated.
He promised Kenyans could also expect cheap Ksh5,000 smartphones as promised by President Ruto.
The phones according to the CS will be available for purchase in the near future.
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