TikTok takes down over 334,000 harmful videos in Kenya

TikTok has revealed that over 334,000 videos were removed in Kenya for violating its Community Guidelines in its third quarter. In its latest Q3 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, 88.9 per cent of the videos were taken down before they could be viewed by others, and 93 per cent of them were removed within 24 hours of posting.

According to TikTok, these moves were necessary as the platform remains steadfast in ensuring a safe and enjoyable digital space for all users. It adds that its proactive content moderation efforts in Kenya highlight its dedication to maintaining a safe and trustworthy platform.

The report also shows that in Kenya the policy areas that saw the most videos removed were:

Integrity and Authenticity: TikTok removed 99.7 per cent of violating videos before any user reported, with 94 per cent taken down within 24 hours. “These actions are critical to combating misinformation and fraud, helping Kenyan users engage in a reliable and credible online space,” reads the report.

Mental and Behavioural Health: Ninety-nine per cent of harmful content was removed before any users reported, with 96.4 per cent taken down within 24 hours. “This reflects TikTok’s commitment to protecting its users, especially younger audiences, from content that could negatively affect mental health,” says TikTok.

Youth Safety and Well-Being: In total, 99.7 per cent of content violating youth safety policies were taken down before any views, with 94.3 per cent removed within 24 hours.

Sensitive and Mature Themes: TikTok removed 99.5 per cent of inappropriate videos before any user reported, with 95.8 per cent taken down within 24 hours.

Globally, TikTok removed over 147 million videos during the same period, with 118 million detected and removed through automated systems.

“These efforts demonstrate a proactive detection rate of 98.2 per cent, setting a high standard for content moderation worldwide. In Kenya, TikTok’s localised enforcement of its policies highlights its dedication to addressing the unique needs of its growing user base,” it says.

The platform insists that its mission to inspire creativity and bring joy is underpinned by its commitment to user safety and content integrity. It adds that by investing in advanced technologies, trust and safety teams, and local partnerships, it is building a platform where Kenyans can safely create, connect, and be entertained.

“By employing dedicated trust and safety professionals and leveraging advanced technology, the platform ensures compliance with its robust Community Guidelines, Terms of Service and Advertising Policies, which apply to all content on its platform,” says TikTok.

Recently, the government asked social media companies, including TikTok, Facebook, X and Instagram, to  opn physical offices in Kenya to enhance accountability and address the increasing misuse of social media platforms.

“To ensure responsibility and accountability in the face of rising disinformation, social media manipulation, and online abuse, all social media organizations operating in the country must establish a physical presence within our jurisdiction,” Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said on January 16 after meeting representatives of telecommunications and social media companies.

“The increasing misuse of social media, including harassment, hate speech and incitement to violence, necessitates immediate and decisive measures,” he added.

This came after political leaders expressed concern over the misuse of social media by government critics with some even posting AI-generated images of President William Ruto in a coffin.

The trend is believed to be the reason several youth have been abducted and some forcefully dissappeared or killed since last June’s Gen Z protests.

In 2024, President Ruto held a virtual meeting with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew over the innapropriate use of the platform during which it agreed to work with Kenyan authorities so that its content can be monitored and eventually removed.

“In a virtual meeting with President Ruto on Thursday morning, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew committed to ensuring that content is moderated to meet community standards. TikTok will work with Kenya to review and monitor its content,” State House said in a statement.

The advice came at a time when a panel in Parliament was considering a petition from businessman Bob Ndolo to ban the Chinese-owned platform. The Interior ministry had also accused the platform of being used to spread propaganda, carry out fraud and distribute sexual content.

“The applicant denounces the fact that (…) the content shared on the platform is inappropriate and promotes violence, explicit sexual content, hate speech, vulgar language and offensive behavior that pose a serious threat to Kenya’s cultural and religious values,” National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula told MPs on August 15, 2024.