The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has ordered TikTok to immediately remove all sexual content involving minors following a BBC investigation that alleged the platform was profiting from child exploitation in Kenya.
The BBC report, published on March 3, 2025, claimed that minors in Kenya were being used in livestreams selling sexual content, with TikTok allegedly taking a commission from the transactions.
In a statement, CA condemned the alleged activities, calling them a violation of Kenyan and international laws on child protection.
The government has launched a formal inquiry into the allegations in collaboration with relevant agencies and warned TikTok of possible sanctions.
Authorities have also demanded an explanation from TikTok on how such content bypassed its moderation systems and a detailed plan on how it intends to strengthen child protection.
Kenya has legal frameworks addressing online child exploitation, including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, the Films and Stage Plays Act, the Children Act, and the Data Protection Act.
These laws align with international child protection instruments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
In 2023, the Kenyan government had already directed TikTok to enhance content moderation and establish a local office to oversee its operations.
However, CA now says the latest allegations indicate significant enforcement gaps in the platform’s policies against child exploitation.
The authority has also announced measures to educate parents and guardians on child online protection, urging them to use parental control tools and safe internet practices.
It reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe digital space and called on all online platforms operating in Kenya to comply with child protection regulations.
