Share sensitive videos at your own peril, film board warns

Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) Acting CEO Christopher Wambua addressing the media at their office in Uchumi House. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) has warned the public against sharing sensitive audio visual content on social media platforms.

In a statement sent to newsrooms on Wednesday, April 26, KFCB CEO Christopher Wambua asked social media users to be weary of children's safety before sharing any content.

"In the recent past, this vice has not only become rampant but also taken a disconcerting turn with some bloggers and social media users sharing extremely offensive video content with the potential to cause harm.

"A case in point is the recent streaming of graphic content of a mother killing a minor in Kitengela," Wambua stated.

KFCB has also spotted incidents of misuse of digital applications where non-consensual videos of adult shows are streamed live.

"Indeed some apps are being transformed into digital brothels from midnight onwards. Equally worrying is the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images or videos of individuals in violation of privacy laws," he added.

The film board has appealed to consumers to observe societal values and consider children's safety before sharing any audio visual material online.

"Have we lost our African philosophy of Ubuntuism. Are we really looking out for the interest of the child as we interact with technology or are we turning the internet, which is one of the most transformative innovations of our time into the Wild West?" he posed..

"Any person for the purpose or by way of trade or distribution or public exhibition makes or has in his possession any obscene cinematographic films tending to corrupt morals is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years or to a fine of seven thousand shillings," the board quotes.

Wambua appealed to parents to closely monitor the kind of content that their children consume on various social media platforms and activate safety features available to protect them from moral corruption.