TikTok Expands Online Safety with New Advisory Council
TikTok is strengthening its safety measures in Sub-Saharan Africa with the introduction of its first Safety Advisory Council and the expansion of its SaferTogether community education campaign. This initiative is part of TikTok's ongoing efforts to create a safer online environment for its users across the region.
The newly launched Safety Advisory Council consists of local experts who will work closely with TikTok to develop proactive policies and address safety concerns specific to the region. The council's role is to ensure that TikTok's safety measures are effective and culturally relevant, contributing to a more secure user experience.
In addition to the council, TikTok is expanding its SaferTogether campaign, which aims to educate the community about the platform's guidelines and safety features. The campaign will include workshops, social media outreach, and collaborations with key stakeholders to emphasize the importance of adhering to TikTok’s community standards.
Valiant Richey, TikTok's Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Trust and Safety, emphasized the company's dedication to incorporating African perspectives in their safety efforts. "With the launch of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, we are demonstrating our commitment to including expert African voices in our Trust and Safety work," Richey said. He highlighted the council members' diverse expertise and expressed optimism about their future collaboration.
Safaricom, a key partner of TikTok, has played a significant role in supporting these initiatives. Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom Plc, praised TikTok's efforts to enhance online safety. "At Safaricom, we see the internet as a resource that everyone should have access to, safely. We commend TikTok’s efforts in bringing together various stakeholders for a common goal—ensuring online safety and promoting the safe use of its platform across Africa," Ali stated.
Through these initiatives, TikTok aims to foster a safer digital space for its growing user base in Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that the platform remains a positive and secure environment for all.