TikTok has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its users from threats, including cyberbullying, harmful content, and personal data exposure.
Head of Public Policy Programmes at TikTok for the Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Pakistan, and South Asia Zara Higgs, said they have continued educating their users on content control mechanisms and data protection.
She said they have high-tech monitoring tools that can detect and remove harmful content from their platforms.
Speaking during a ‘Safer Together' campaign forum at the Zetech University, Mangu campus on Thursday.
Ms Higgs implored the users to maintain a positive online presence and use the platform effectively to earn and create employment.
“We have been conducting global digital safety campaigns, particularly in light of Africa’s unique challenges and its rapid growth in social media usage."
"This has brought about rising concerns about the safety of its youngest users. This is particularly critical as TikTok faces scrutiny and bans in several countries due to concerns over its content and influence on young people,” Higgs said.
Zetech Vice Chancellor Njenga Munene emphasised the significance of the platform in unlocking creativity and connecting people worldwide.
He said the sensitisation forum will help create a friendlier environment for creativity.
VC Munene raised concern over the misuse of the platform by young tiktokers, particularly students who use most of their time online at the expense of classwork.
“We see young people bullying or invading others' privacy, which should not be the case if these safeguards are put in place."
"There was a recent case where a young tiktoker committed suicide after engaging with harmful content on TikTok, which shows the impact that inappropriate content can have on vulnerable users,” Munene said.
Other stakeholders, including the Assistant Data Protection Commissioner, Emmanuel Maiyo, highlighted the importance of data ownership and the need for individuals to be mindful of privacy policies.
He told users to report any violations and stressed the necessity of implementing security measures to avoid legal issues related to data protection.
His words were echoed by Emma Irungu, Head of Compliance Management at the Kenya Films Classification Board.
Irungu emphasized on the board’s commitment to work closely with platforms such as TikTok in regulating content from creation to distribution to consumption.
She called on the youth to embrace platforms like TikTok as valuable tools for content creation and distribution so as to earn.
