TikTok pulls down over 300,000 videos in Kenya for breaching guidelines
TikTok noted that 88.9 per cent of the videos were removed before they could be seen by any users, and 93 per cent were taken down within 24 hours of posting.
Over 334,000 videos in Kenya were pulled down by TikTok for violating its Community Guidelines, according to the platform’s Q3 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report.
This marks a slight decline from the second quarter when TikTok reported removing over 360,000 videos for policy violations. The figure accounted for approximately 0.3 per cent of all videos uploaded in Kenya during that period. Additionally, 60,465 videos were banned in the same timeframe for breaching the platform’s Community Guidelines.
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TikTok noted that 88.9 per cent of the videos were removed before they could be seen by any users, and 93 per cent were taken down within 24 hours of posting.
The company stated that the removal of these videos was part of its efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable digital space for its users.
The report also highlighted the policy areas where most of the violations occurred.
The majority of removals were under the Integrity and Authenticity category, with 99.7 per cent of the violating videos taken down before being reported by users. Additionally, 94 per cent of these videos were removed within 24 hours.
“These actions are critical to combating misinformation and fraud, helping Kenyan users engage in a reliable and credible online space,” the social media giant said in a statement.
Further statistics showed that 99.9 per cent of videos harmful to users’ mental and behavioural health were removed before being reported, and 96.4 per cent of such content was deleted within a day.
The report also indicated that 99.7 per cent of videos violating youth safety policies were pulled down before any views, with 94.3 per cent removed within 24 hours.
Inappropriate videos saw 99.5 per cent removal before being reported, with 95.8 per cent taken down within a day.
TikTok has previously faced criticism over its content moderation in Kenya. In 2023, Bob Ndolo, the executive officer of Bridget Connect Consultancy, petitioned Parliament to ban the app, arguing that it was exposing young Kenyans to explicit sexual content and failing to regulate content effectively.
The petition ignited a heated debate, prompting lawmakers to summon TikTok executives before the Parliamentary Petitions Committee to respond to the concerns.
In September 2024, the committee submitted its report to Parliament, rejecting Ndolo’s request for a total ban but recommending that TikTok strengthen its content moderation efforts in Kenya, including setting up a local office.
Globally, TikTok removed over 147 million videos in the third quarter of the year, with 118 million detected and taken down through automated systems.
“These efforts demonstrate a proactive detection rate of 98.2 per cent, setting a high standard for content moderation worldwide,” reads the report.
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It noted that in Kenya, TikTok’s localised enforcement of its policies underscores its commitment to meeting the unique needs of its growing user base.
The platform added that it has invested in advanced technology, trust and safety teams, and local partnerships to create a safer digital space where Kenyans can engage, connect, and be entertained.
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