A parliamentary committee has rejected a petition calling for a total ban on TikTok in the country, instead recommending regular compliance checks on the social media platform’s operations by State authorities. The National Assembly Committee on Public Petitions explained in a report that a ban on TikTok would hinder freedom of media and expression. They emphasized that restricting social media platforms like TikTok could limit innovation and creativity among users, affecting freedom of expression. The committee recognized the importance of digital economy growth and suggested regulating all social media platforms in the country.
The committee acknowledged concerns relating to national security, privacy, content moderation, and compliance with Kenyan law regarding TikTok’s operations. Despite lifting the ban, they highlighted the platform’s inadequate safety tools for young users, lack of economic clarity, and potential data protection law non-compliance. The committee’s focus on user protection, cyber security enhancement, and potential risks associated with such platforms underlines the need for comprehensive regulation and monitoring.