The worrying increase in occurrences of explicit content shared on social media platforms has been denounced by the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy. ICT CS Eliud Owalo stated on Wednesday that in order to adequately address this problem, they will be conducting a complete examination of the current regulatory frameworks.
The ministry is prepared to put more stringent regulations into place as needed in an effort to plug gaps that allow the abuse of social media platforms. The rising popularity of TikTok users uploading obscene content live during late hours, from 11 pm to 3 am, is one of the unsettling developments that Owalo called attention to. To better safeguard users of social media, the ministry plans to amend the existing legal regulations.
Owalo underscored the government’s dedication to fortifying the current legal and policy framework. A thorough study and update of the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2019 will also take place, possibly in cooperation with other governmental entities like the National Assembly.
The government wants to stop children being used for sexual purposes online. To combat cybercrime, Owalo asked Kenyans to reflect on their own behavior and take personal responsibility. While the law is important, he underlined that in order to properly address this issue, there must be a shift in attitude and behavior.
A number of computer-related offenses are already covered by the Computer Misuse and Cyber Crimes Act 2019. It attempts to make it possible to promptly detect, forbid, prevent, respond to, investigate, and prosecute computer and cybercrimes. Cyber espionage, unauthorized access to ICT systems, publishing false information, the use of child pornography, identity theft, cyber harassment, and cyberterrorism are among the offenses that are included in the Act.
With social media’s ever-increasing societal influence, it has become difficult to control the distribution of explicit content only through the legal system. The government is aware of how crucial it is for citizens to work together to create a secure internet environment for everyone.
