NAIROBI, Kenya-In a bold move to prioritize user safety, TikTok has unveiled its first-ever Safety Advisory Council for Sub-Saharan Africa, featuring an eight-member team, including Kenya’s own Lillian Kariuki.
The announcement was made during TikTok’s Safety Summit in Nairobi, coinciding with the expansion of the platform’s #SaferTogether community education campaign.
TikTok’s formation of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council marks a significant step toward enhancing platform safety across the region.
The council is composed of experts from diverse fields, including academia, NGOs, and content creation, all working together to foster a secure and positive environment on TikTok.
Among the distinguished members is Lillian Kariuki, the Founder and Executive Director of Watoto Watch Network, representing Kenya on this important council.
Joining her are other esteemed members, such as Prof. Guy Berger from Rhodes University in South Africa, Dennis Coffie, a content creator from Ghana, and Aisha Dabo, the Co-Founder and coordinator of AfricTivistes from Senegal.
This diverse group is tasked with advising TikTok on policies, product features, and safety processes to address the unique challenges faced by users in the region.
Alongside the council’s launch, TikTok is doubling down on its #SaferTogether campaign, a community empowerment initiative designed to engage users actively in promoting platform safety.
This campaign is not just about following the rules; it’s about understanding why those rules matter.
Through workshops, social media outreach, and partnerships with key stakeholders, TikTok aims to raise awareness about the importance of adhering to community guidelines and utilizing the platform’s safety features.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s Director of Government Relations & Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.
Fortune stated, “Safety is a shared responsibility, and with the additional support from our new Safety Advisory Council, we are confident that we can create a safer TikTok experience for everyone.”
Since 2020, TikTok has established nine regional Safety Advisory Councils, each tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of different areas.
The introduction of the Sub-Saharan Africa council underscores TikTok’s commitment to including expert voices from Africa in its ongoing efforts to build a trustworthy and secure platform.
TikTok’s new Safety Advisory Council for Sub-Saharan Africa, combined with its #SaferTogether campaign, signals a robust commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive digital space.
