Kenya challenges TikTok to comply with privacy laws

TLDR:

• Kenya’s data protection agency orders TikTok to prove compliance with privacy laws
• Concerns raised over cybercriminal abuse and dissemination of misinformation on the platform

Kenya’s Interior Minister, Kithure Kindiki, has informed parliament members about the Data Protection Commissioner’s warning to TikTok regarding compliance with privacy and user verification laws. The social media platform is under scrutiny for being exploited by cybercriminals and for spreading disinformation and misinformation. Issues such as malicious propaganda, identity theft, impersonation, and fake job recruitment schemes have been identified on TikTok.

This move comes amidst global concerns surrounding the platform’s privacy practices and its ownership in China. The US House of Representatives recently voted to ban TikTok, but the bill is yet to be addressed by the US Senate. Kenya’s actions reflect a growing trend of governments scrutinizing social media platforms for privacy violations and cybersecurity threats.

TikTok’s response to Kenya’s demands and the outcome of this investigation can have far-reaching implications for the future of the platform’s operations in various regions and its compliance with international data protection laws.