Ruto to meet with TikTok CEO over moderation of content

President William Ruto says he will meet TikTok Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shou Zi Chew tomorrow, Thursday, August 24 to agree on moderation mechanisms to reduce negative content on the video-sharing application. 

 Ruto made the announcement on Wednesday during the Kenya Music Festivals Winner’s State Concert in Nakuru. 

 TikTok has been the topic of discussion, especially in the National Assembly, where a petitioner Bob Ndolo moved a motion to ban the platform due to inappropriate content.

 “Tomorrow morning, I will be speaking to the Global CEO of TikTok so that we can agree on a mechanism to moderate content in their space in order to reduce the negative content and leverage on the monetisation that is benefiting a lot more people,” said the president.

 During Parliament proceedings regarding TikTok,  lawmakers held different opinions with Ndolo saying that the app should be banned.

 “While it has gained popularity among the youth, the content being shared on the platform is inappropriate promoting violence, explicit sexual content, violence, hate speech, vulgar language, and offensive behaviour which is a serious threat to the cultural and religious values in Kenya,” Ndolo stated in his petition.

 However, others were opposed to the ban saying that the app still serves as a source of income to numerous youths.

 “These platforms provide avenues for our youths to get employment, especially for those who are able to create content,” said Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi.

 A majority were for the idea of regulating the content produced on the app rather than banning it altogether. 

 During the concert that took place in Nakuru, the Head of State said that the X app had agreed to monetize Kenyan content, making Kenya one of the few countries in Africa.

 Ruto also added that from August, Facebook will be testing and exploring the field of monetizing content alongside 25 Kenyan content creators.