The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has fired a warning to Kenyans who are using social media platforms to host explicit live streams of adult shows especially at night.
The Board's acting CEO Christopher Wambua noted that some platforms have been turned into digital brothels where nudity is served in blatant breach of the law.
Of late, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have been used to stream live sessions of adult content at night where some part with a few shillings to access exclusive content.
Wambua also expressed concern at the rampant sharing of graphic content, citing the Kitengela incident where a woman was seen stabbing her child multiple times, at a time when children are home for holidays.
"We have noted that 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. As a society, we need to step back for a moment and reflect on the following: Are we losing the values that define us as a people?
"Put differently, have we lost our African philosophy of Ubuntuism -loosely defined as 'I am because you are'? As a society, are we beginning to revel in and celebrate seeing others go down? Are we harnessing the true value of social media in general and film in particular? Have we, as a people, normalised violence and misogyny to the point of being insensitive to these vices?" he asked.
Wambua further stated that as much as there is freedom of expression, there are certain limitations that ought to be observed.
Delving into the hot topic of leaked nudes, he said that it is illegal to share intimate videos of other parties without their consent according to section 37 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
He stressed that distribution of obscene films is outlawed and those streaming explicit sexual content on social media risk arrest and prosecution.
"Social media users need to reflect on child online safety before sharing video/film content on digital platforms. If in doubt, they should make reference to the film classification guidelines which KFCB uses to assign age-appropriate ratings.
"We also urge registered audio-visual content platforms and operators across the country to ensure they adhere to the provisions of cap 222 and other laws, including creating content that does not compromise our culture, moral values and national aspirations," the Ag CEO said.
Wambua added that the Board shall continue to monitor different platforms as it collects evidence that will be forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigation.
He also called on parents to whose children have access to the internet or possess smart devices to constantly monitor what they are doing to ensure their morals are not corrupted.
