Kenya orders more online safety reports from big apps

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X could soon face stricter regulations in Kenya as the government moves to tackle illegal activities online. The proposed changes would require major technology companies to report unlawful activities on their platforms to the country's communications regulator.

The proposal is contained in the Kenya Information and Communications Amendment Bill 2026, introduced by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy. It seeks to introduce a new Section 85C into the existing Kenya Information and Communications Act, giving the government greater oversight of digital platforms operating in the country.

Under the proposed rules, companies would be required to report illegal activities taking place on their platforms and explain the steps they have taken to address them. These reports would be submitted to the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA), the body responsible for regulating communication services in the country.

The proposal would also require platform operators to provide information about their companies and the services they offer. The Communications Authority would maintain a register of digital platforms used by Kenyans, monitor their compliance and help handle complaints from users.

What online activities are being targeted?

The proposed regulations focus on several forms of illegal online activity that can affect individuals and communities. These include sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, harassment and impersonation.

Other activities that could fall under the regulations include identity theft, online fraud, phishing, human trafficking and the unauthorised sharing of copyrighted materials. The distribution of terrorist or extremist content is also among the activities identified in the report.

Cyberbullying and harassment are particularly important concerns because they can affect people's safety and well-being. Impersonation and identity theft can also expose users to financial losses and damage their reputations.

The proposed rules would go beyond the usual content moderation policies used by social media companies. While platforms already remove posts and suspend accounts that violate their community guidelines, the new requirement would make reporting unlawful activities and the actions taken against them a legal responsibility.

What does this mean for users and content creators?

For ordinary social media users, the proposed changes could provide better protection against online abuse. Users may also benefit from clearer complaint-handling systems through which they can report harmful activities and seek assistance.

Content creators and online businesses could equally be affected. Creators who depend on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to reach audiences, advertise products and earn income may experience changes in how content is monitored.

Stronger enforcement could help create a safer environment for creators by reducing harassment, impersonation and the misuse of their content. However, there are also concerns about how the rules will be implemented. If platforms become too cautious, they could remove legitimate posts or restrict accounts unnecessarily to avoid regulatory problems.

Privacy and freedom of expression will therefore remain important issues as the proposal develops. Social media platforms handle large amounts of personal information, making it necessary for any reporting system to respect users' privacy and existing data protection laws.

What happens next?

The proposal reflects Kenya's growing interest in holding international technology companies accountable for the services they provide to local users, even when those companies operate from outside the country.

However, the amendment is still a proposal and should not be mistaken for an already enforced law. Its progress through the legislative process will determine whether the reporting requirements become legally binding.

If approved, the changes could give Kenyan authorities a stronger role in monitoring online platforms and responding to complaints. For users and creators, the main question will be whether the new rules can improve online safety without unnecessarily limiting privacy, creativity and freedom of expression.