TikTok is enhancing its safety efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa with the introduction of its first Safety Advisory Council and the expansion of the #SaferTogether campaign. By collaborating with policymakers, academics, NGOs, and community leaders, TikTok aims to create a secure and positive online environment. This was announced at the TikTok Safety Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
Safety Advisory Council: A Focus on Regional Safety
Since 2020, TikTok has established regional Safety Advisory Councils worldwide, each focusing on areas like youth safety and free expression. The newly formed Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council will work with local experts to address regional concerns and shape safety policies. Members include prominent figures from various African countries, ensuring diverse input to tackle safety challenges effectively.
#SaferTogether Campaign: Empowering the Community
The #SaferTogether campaign encourages community engagement in understanding and following TikTok’s guidelines. Through workshops, social media outreach, and partnerships, the campaign aims to foster a secure environment for creative expression. In Kenya, workshops have reached thousands of students, parents, and teachers, promoting best practices for online safety.
“The community empowerment campaign highlights the importance of safety being a shared responsibility.” Said Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa. This part of the campaign will speak directly to the TikTok community. We hope that they will join us in making TikTok a safer space for all following the Community Guidelines and use the safety features. With the additional layer that the Safety Advisory Council presents, we believe that safety can be achieved, collectively.”
Also read about how TikTok Tightened its LIVE Guidelines
Expanding Impact Across Africa
In 2022, the #SaferTogether initiative expanded to Nigeria. Then earlier this year, TikTok partnered with the African Union Commission to launch digital literacy programs across Africa. TikTok’s long-standing collaboration with Safaricom further supports these efforts, highlighting the shared goal of promoting safe internet use across the continent.
