Kenya has launched investigations against allegations that TikTok benefited from sexual content on livestreams that involved children.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) issued a public notice that stated it is also directing TikTok to pull down all adult content involving minors from the platform, including livestreams.
This followed a report published by BBC on March 3 2025, which alleged that TikTok is benefiting from sexual livestreams performed by minors in Kenya.
The British broadcaster said it had spoken to the three women in Kenya who said they began the activity as teenagers, adding that they used TikTok to openly advertise and negotiate payment for explicit content.
BBC also disclosed that while TikTok bans solicitation, moderators on the platform admitted that the firm knows it takes place in about 70 percent of all livestream transactions.
Regarding the matter, CA said that the new allegations suggest that significant gaps remain in TikTok’s enforcement.
“The report alleges the involvement of minors in the sale of sexual content via livestreams on TikTok, with the platform reportedly retaining a significant commission from the content”, the regulator said.
The authority has therefore announced that it is directing TikTok to explain how offensive content is able to bypass its content moderation mechanisms.
Additionally, TikTok should present a plan to show how it intends to enhance the established mechanisms to strengthen child protection on the platform.
