In recent times, there has been a concerning rise in the sharing of explicit content on social media platforms, particularly during the late hours. To address this issue, the Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, has taken a significant step to review the existing regulatory frameworks. ICT CS Eliud Owalo, in a recent statement, expressed the government’s commitment to imposing stricter measures, if necessary, to close loopholes that allow the abuse of social media platforms. This article delves into the government’s response and its approach to protecting social media users from explicit content sharing.
The rise of explicit content sharing on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, during the late hours of 11 pm to 3 am, has raised concerns among policymakers and the public alike. The ease of sharing such content has become a worrying trend, leading to potential harm to vulnerable users, including children.
ICT CS Eliud Owalo’s recent statement highlights the Ministry’s determination to tackle this issue head-on. The government acknowledges the need to review the existing policy and regulatory framework to strengthen the laws surrounding explicit content sharing on social media platforms.
Protecting Social Media Users
The Ministry’s focus on protecting social media users is evident in its willingness to review and update the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2019. This act outlines offenses related to computer systems and cybercrimes, including child pornography, cyber harassment, and cyberterrorism, among others.
The government’s commitment to addressing this issue is not limited to the Ministry alone. ICT CS Owalo emphasized the importance of working in partnership with other arms of the government, such as the National Assembly. This collaborative approach aims to ensure a comprehensive and effective regulatory framework.
Apart from strengthening the laws, Owalo stressed the significance of individual responsibility in the fight against cybercrimes. The vast reach of social media makes it challenging to regulate entirely through laws alone. Hence, encouraging a change in the mindset of social media users becomes crucial in combating explicit content sharing.
Owalo’s call for self-introspection among Kenyan citizens highlights the need for everyone to play a part in addressing cybercrimes. Merely relying on laws is not enough; citizens must actively participate in curbing the spread of explicit content on social media.
The Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2019 provides the legal foundation to detect, prevent, investigate, and prosecute computer and cybercrimes effectively. The Act covers various offenses, ensuring a comprehensive approach to combatting cybercrimes.
In light of the evolving cyber landscape, the government acknowledges the necessity of regularly updating the CMCA Act. As technology advances and new cyber threats emerge, amendments to the Act can help keep it relevant and robust.
While the government aims to protect social media users, it also acknowledges the importance of striking a balance between regulation and user freedom. Ensuring that the regulatory measures do not impede legitimate use of social media is a key consideration.
In addition to legal and regulatory measures, public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in educating social media users about the potential risks of explicit content sharing and the importance of responsible social media usage.
Engaging with social media platforms themselves is vital in combatting explicit content sharing. Working together with platform providers can lead to innovative solutions and more effective content moderation.
The fight against cybercrimes is an ongoing battle. Continuous evaluation and monitoring of the regulatory frameworks and their effectiveness are essential to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Kenyan government’s initiative to review the regulatory frameworks for combatting explicit content sharing on social media platforms is a crucial step towards creating a safer online environment for all users. By strengthening laws, encouraging individual responsibility, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, a collective effort can effectively combat cybercrimes.
