TikTok recently announced the launch of its inaugural Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council in Nairobi, Kenya. This council, the first of its kind for a tech platform in the region, aims to ensure user safety across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The diverse council members, representing countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, and Ethiopia, bring together independent experts from various fields. Their expertise will help shape policies to maintain TikTok’s reputation as a safe online environment. The council’s focus includes youth safety, combating hate speech, and addressing safety issues, both current and anticipated.
Key figures in the council include Lillian Kariuki, Executive Director of Watoto Watch Network in Kenya, Dr. Akinola Olojo, a violent extremism expert from Nigeria, and Aisha Dabo, Co-Founder of AfricTivistes in Senegal.
This initiative expands TikTok’s global Safety Advisory Councils, which have been established since 2020. These include nine regional councils and a US-based Content Advisory Council. By incorporating African voices, the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council plays a crucial role in refining platform policies, protecting users, and enhancing product features. This continuous improvement is a key aspect of TikTok’s commitment to user safety.
Valiant Richey, TikTok’s Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, expressed the company’s commitment to including expert African voices in its Trust and Safety work, citing the council members’ broad range of expertise and experience.
The council is committed to promoting positive conversations on platform safety, ensuring TikTok remains a safe space, particularly for the region’s youth. This commitment is a testament to TikTok’s dedication to user safety. Peter Cunliffe-Jones, University of Westminster Visiting Research Fellow, expressed satisfaction with TikTok’s commitment to including regional advisory councils at an early stage in its development.
