NAIROBI, Kenya – TikTok is stepping up efforts to protect its growing African user base by launching its first-ever Safety Advisory Council on the continent.
This move comes as the ByteDance-owned platform experiences a meteoric rise in popularity, particularly among Africa’s tech-savvy youth, fueled by the increasing availability of smartphones and soaring Internet use.
Africa’s digital landscape has become a key battleground for social media platforms, but with this rapid growth comes heightened responsibility.
Governments across the continent are calling for tighter regulation of digital spaces, putting pressure on platforms like TikTok to combat misinformation and protect younger users from online dangers.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s director of government relations and public policy for sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the platform’s commitment to making TikTok a safer space.
“This part of the campaign will speak directly to the TikTok community, to join us in making TikTok a safer space for all by ensuring they follow the Community Guidelines and use the safety features made available to them,” she said.
The platform’s #SaferTogether campaign, which has already reached thousands in Kenya and Nigeria, is a major part of these efforts.
It seeks to educate users about protecting themselves online, with the new Safety Advisory Council providing an additional layer of guidance.
Unveiled in Nairobi last week, the council brings together a diverse group of experts, including academics, digital rights advocates, and local content creators.
These members will offer insights on how TikTok can navigate the unique challenges African users face, from misinformation to child safety and violent content.
Notable council members include South Africa’s Prof. Guy Berger, who specializes in media freedom, and Ghanaian content creator Dennis Coffie, who will ensure TikTok remains connected to its grassroots community.
Senegal’s Aisha Dabo, co-founder of AfricTivistes, adds a strong voice for digital activism, while Lillian Kariuki of Kenya’s Watoto Watch Network will focus on child protection.
Other members, like Nigerian expert Dr. Akinola Olojo and Ethiopian academic Prof. Medhane Tadesse, bring expertise in countering violent extremism and peace and security, respectively.
TikTok’s influence in Africa has surged, turning creators like Kenya’s Azziad Nasenya into household names.
Her viral “Utawezana” dance challenge exemplifies the platform’s power to open doors for major brand partnerships and create livelihoods.
For many African youth, content creation is more than a hobby—it’s an economic lifeline in regions where traditional employment opportunities are scarce.
This move comes as the ByteDance-owned platform experiences a meteoric rise in popularity, particularly among Africa’s tech-savvy youth, fueled by the increasing availability of smartphones and soaring Internet use.
Africa’s digital landscape has become a key battleground for social media platforms, but with this rapid growth comes heightened responsibility.
Governments across the continent are calling for tighter regulation of digital spaces, putting pressure on platforms like TikTok to combat misinformation and protect younger users from online dangers.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s director of government relations and public policy for sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the platform’s commitment to making TikTok a safer space.
“This part of the campaign will speak directly to the TikTok community, to join us in making TikTok a safer space for all by ensuring they follow the Community Guidelines and use the safety features made available to them,” she said.
The platform’s #SaferTogether campaign, which has already reached thousands in Kenya and Nigeria, is a major part of these efforts.
It seeks to educate users about protecting themselves online, with the new Safety Advisory Council providing an additional layer of guidance.
Unveiled in Nairobi last week, the council brings together a diverse group of experts, including academics, digital rights advocates, and local content creators.
These members will offer insights on how TikTok can navigate the unique challenges African users face, from misinformation to child safety and violent content.
Notable council members include South Africa’s Prof. Guy Berger, who specializes in media freedom, and Ghanaian content creator Dennis Coffie, who will ensure TikTok remains connected to its grassroots community.
Senegal’s Aisha Dabo, co-founder of AfricTivistes, adds a strong voice for digital activism, while Lillian Kariuki of Kenya’s Watoto Watch Network will focus on child protection.
Other members, like Nigerian expert Dr. Akinola Olojo and Ethiopian academic Prof. Medhane Tadesse, bring expertise in countering violent extremism and peace and security, respectively.
TikTok’s influence in Africa has surged, turning creators like Kenya’s Azziad Nasenya into household names.
Her viral “Utawezana” dance challenge exemplifies the platform’s power to open doors for major brand partnerships and create livelihoods.
For many African youth, content creation is more than a hobby—it’s an economic lifeline in regions where traditional employment opportunities are scarce.
