West Mugirango legislator Stephen Mogaka during parliamentary proceedings.
Authored by Janet Nyamwamu
Kenyan lawmakers have initiated discussions on a petition calling for TikTok regulation, with Mogaka endorsing the measure and suggesting legislators implement a controlled regulatory approach rather than completely prohibiting the platform.
During the discussion on the National Assembly Petitions Committee’s report, Mogaka commended the committee’s efforts, characterizing their investigation as comprehensive and well-timed.
He stated that the current Parliament had shown initiative by choosing to regulate new technologies rather than obstruct them.
The lawmaker emphasized that technology is essential for public service provision and national progress, maintaining that social media should be managed with rules akin to conventional media.
He highlighted that traditional media outlets function under the supervision of the Media Council of Kenya, asserting that equivalent responsibility measures should be enforced for digital services.
Mogaka criticized social media corporations for what he described as inadequate self-governance structures, indicating that Parliament was required to act due to current regulatory deficiencies.
He contended that proper regulation would guarantee content producers function within established legal and moral limits.
Regarding matters raised in the petition, the MP indicated that damaging online material endangers not just young people but the entire community.
He cautioned that offensive content and unethical behavior on the internet should not be accepted under the protection of free speech or adult consent.
Mogaka also expressed concern about online harassment and the exploitation of anonymous status on social networks.
He advocated for systems to ensure identification and responsibility for digital material, recommending enhanced accountability for content producers.
In his view, persons who libel others or distribute destructive misinformation while concealing their identities should face judicial penalties.
The petition submitted to Parliament requests the creation of a regulatory system to manage TikTok activities within Kenya, incorporating protections against dangerous content and enforceable adherence protocols.
Deliberations on the committee’s documentation continue, with representatives anticipated to decide whether new regulations or revisions to current statutes will be developed to standardize supervision of social media entities functioning in the nation.