TikTok has introduced two key initiatives aimed at enhancing the digital experience, bolstering online safety across Sub-Saharan Africa. During the TikTok Safety Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, the platform unveiled its first-ever Safety Advisory Council for the region and announced an expansion of the #SaferTogether community education campaign. These initiatives represent TikTok’s ongoing commitment to create a safer and more inclusive online environment.
Establishing the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety TikTok Advisory Council
Recognizing the unique challenges and needs of the Sub-Saharan African digital landscape, TikTok has established a dedicated Safety Advisory Council for the region. This initiative is part of TikTok’s broader strategy to maintain user safety, which has seen the creation of nine regional councils globally since 2020. Each council comprises experts in various domains such as youth safety, free expression, and hate speech, tasked with advising TikTok on policy formation, product features, and safety procedures.
Advisory Council Composition:
The Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council includes esteemed members from diverse backgrounds:
- Prof Guy Berger, a media expert from Rhodes University, South Africa
- Dennis Coffie, a well-known content creator from Ghana
- Peter Cunliffe-Jones, a visiting research fellow at the University of Westminster, focusing on misinformation
- Aisha Dabo, a Senegalese journalist and co-founder of AfricTivistes, an activism hub
- Lillian Kariuki, founder of the Watoto Watch Network in Kenya, which focuses on children’s digital rights
- Dr. Akinola Olojo, a Nigerian researcher specializing in security and counter-terrorism
- Prof Medhane Tadesse and Berhan Taye, both Ethiopian scholars in peace and security issues
These individuals will leverage their expertise to help TikTok navigate the complexities of online safety and ensure the platform remains a safe space for all users.
Expanding the #SaferTogether Campaign
TikTok’s #SaferTogether campaign seeks to engage the platform’s community in safety education and best practices adherence. This initiative is designed to raise awareness about TikTok’s community guidelines and the available safety features, encouraging users to contribute to a secure online environment.
Campaign Activities:
- Conducting educational workshops across schools and universities
- Utilizing social media to spread awareness about safe online behavior
- Forming partnerships with key stakeholders to amplify the campaign’s reach
In Kenya alone, the campaign has already reached over 64,000 students and hundreds of educators and parents, spreading across 26 counties. The initiative’s success in Kenya has paved the way for similar programs in other African nations, including a notable start in Nigeria.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
TikTok’s safety efforts are supported by strategic partnerships that enhance the platform’s outreach and impact. A notable collaboration is with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate, which aims to deliver comprehensive digital literacy programs throughout the continent. These programs are designed to empower young people and their caregivers with the skills needed to safely and effectively utilize digital platforms for economic and personal development.
Additionally, TikTok has maintained a long-standing partnership with Safaricom, one of Africa’s leading mobile network operators. This collaboration has included various initiatives such as special data bundles for TikTok and participation in digital literacy events. Safaricom’s endorsement of the new safety initiatives underscores a shared commitment to promoting safe internet usage.
Conclusion
TikTok’s introduction of the Safety Advisory Council and the expansion of the #SaferTogether campaign in Sub-Saharan Africa are pivotal steps towards enhancing digital safety on the platform. By collaborating with local experts and engaging the community, TikTok aims to foster a safe and positive environment where creativity and expression can flourish without compromise. These efforts not only address immediate safety concerns but also prepare the platform to handle future challenges in an increasingly digital world.
For further information about TikTok’s global safety initiatives and to stay updated on their progress, visit TikTok’s Transparency Centre.
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