CS Owalo Says Gov't Is Planning To Regulate Explicit Content Shared On TikTok During Wee Hours Of Night

• CS Eliud Owalo, announced the government's plan to regulate explicit content shared on TikTok during late-night hours
• Owalo acknowledged the surge of explicit content on the platform and stated that the government is ready to analyze the regulatory framework
• He referred to the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2019 as the basis for tackling the sharing of immoral content online

Nairobi- Information Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has revealed that the government is planning on regulating the explicit content shared on TikTok in the wee hours of the night.

While responding to questions on whether the government has noted the surge of explicit content shared on the clock app, Owalo said the government is ready to analyse regulatory framework to seal loopholes in the misuse of the internet.

Speaking during an interview with NTV, the CS cited the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2019, which he said is the basis for addressing the sharing of immoral content online.

He said the government is willing to look into ways the Act and other frameworks can be enhanced to combat cybercrimes like the aforementioned.

Owalo calls for vigilance

Further, the CS urges Kenyans to be vigilant, further reiterating that the exploitation of children on the internet remains an infringement of the law.

This came amid concerns about the filthy content shared on TikTok deep in the night, especially during TikTok livestreams.

An alarm was raised on the weakening moral fabric among the youth as some content creators use such lives to expose themselves in an immoral manner to get gifts (money) from their viewers.

KFCB's warning to content creators

In April this year, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) warned individuals who share offensive audio-visual content on social media platforms, informing them of the risk of prosecution.

KFCB acting Chief Executive Officer Christopher Wambua expressed his concern that this vice has become prevalent and has taken a worrying turn, with some bloggers and social media users sharing graphic video content that could cause harm.

Wambua was perturbed that some users of digital apps were misusing them to host and stream live video sessions of explicit adult shows, in clear violation of the country's laws.

He added that the law is explicit in criminalizing the dissemination, distribution, and downloading of private or obscene images of another person through a telecommunications network.