TikTok has cracked down on millions of videos across Africa, with Egypt and Nigeria leading the charge in content violations. According to recent data, Egypt saw the largest volume of removals, with 2,754,574 videos taken down, closely followed by Nigeria at 2,137,687. Other African countries with significant removals include Algeria (1,837,202), Somalia (1,380,154), and Libya (1,149,855), highlighting widespread enforcement efforts across the continent.
South Africa faced particular scrutiny, where 143,998 accounts were banned for policy violations, including 137,663 accounts removed due to suspected underage users. This action aligns with TikTok’s expanded privacy controls, aimed at safeguarding young users and adhering to global standards on children’s online privacy. These controls follow previous controversies, including a $92 million settlement in 2021, when TikTok faced a class-action lawsuit alleging data misuse among teenage users in the United States.
The platform has faced ongoing regulatory pressure in Africa. In August, Egyptian authorities signaled intentions to enforce stronger content monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence to local cultural values. Similarly, Kenyan officials announced in April 2024 that TikTok would be required to publish quarterly compliance reports, a proactive measure to enhance accountability and reduce negative impacts without outright bans.
TikTok has responded to these challenges with initiatives focused on improving online safety. In partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD), TikTok launched a campaign earlier this year to educate African youth and their families on online safety. This effort includes tailored content in local languages, ensuring culturally relevant resources are available for widespread impact.
Additionally, TikTok has recently established an African Council of internet and information experts dedicated to shaping policies on hate speech and misinformation, specifically for the Sub-Saharan Africa region. This council aims to ensure a safer, more accountable digital environment for African users, signaling TikTok’s commitment to addressing regional concerns while fostering responsible platform use.
