ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has responded to a petition seeking to ban social media platform, TikTok.
While appearing before the Public Petitions Committee on Tuesday, April 16, Owalo revealed that the government was introducing regulatory measures to regularise the platform.
He emphasised that a total ban on TikTok would be detrimental to those who use it to earn a living. He further noted that banning would be taking a step back from technological advancement.
"A balance must be struck between addressing the legitimate concerns brought about by this petition and upholding citizens' rights to express themselves. TikTok serves as a diverse platform for expression, encompassing creativity, political commentary, and cultural representation," he stated.
He emphasised that the government would not ban TikTok entirely but would introduce new regulations to monitor the platform.
Owalo noted that his Ministry was in the process of introducing proposed amendments in the Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill 2023. This will cover new media such as TikTok.
The CS also revealed new proposed regulations to be introduced through the Kenya Information and Communications Broadcasting Regulations.
Owalo was accompanied by his Principal Secretary John Tanui, senior officers from the Office of Data Protection and others from the Communication Authority of Kenya to respond to questions from the MPs.
John Bwire Taveta MP asked the officials if the Ministry and the CA can moderate these social media platforms.
He also asked whether the two organisations vet the external moderators to make sure they are in the capacity to do their job.
"Is there a risk mitigation framework that will ensure that TikTok and other platforms like it are engaged in CSR projects that can benefit Kenyans and counter the negative effects such as addiction and mental health issues?" the MP posed.
The petition was filed by a businessman in August 2023 arguing that the platform was corroding morals due to the content being posted especially in the wee hours of the night.
On April 11, TikTok's Public Policy and Government Relations Director Fortune Sibanda revealed that over 296,000 videos by Kenyans had been pulled down in 2023.
He revealed that these videos were violent, vulgar and contained explicit sexual content.
