Communications Authority unveils new guidelines to safeguard children online

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has launched new guidelines aimed at bolstering online safety for children, responding to the increasing risks associated with their growing presence on the internet.

As more young users access digital platforms, the guidelines target critical online threats, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.

A major component of the guidelines is ensuring that digital platforms offer age-appropriate content.

"Pursuant to Section 23 of the Kenya Information and Communications Act 1998 and Regulation 4,9, and 21 of the Kenya Information and Communications (Consumer Protection), Regulations 2010, the Authority is charged with protecting consumer of communication services and facilitating the development and implementation of appropriate operational and technical measures to safeguard consumers," said CA in a statement.

"These safeguards include mechanisms to ensure that children, being vulnerable consumers, have a safer internet experience in Kenya."

Under the new guidelines, streaming services like YouTube and TikTok will be required to implement stronger content filters that block harmful material such as explicit videos and violent content, providing a safer experience for younger users.

The CAK is calling for these platforms to integrate more robust age-verification systems to better control access.

Parental control features also form a cornerstone of the new regulations.

The guidelines encourage platforms to offer tools that allow parents to monitor and restrict their children's online activities.

Apps like Instagram and Facebook are expected to enhance their parental control features, enabling parents to block access to specific sites and limit screen time, while providing real-time alerts for suspicious activity.

To ensure broader digital literacy, the CAK is advocating for national campaigns focused on educating both children and parents about online safety.

These initiatives will cover how to identify online risks, such as phishing scams or cyberbullying, and how to practice safe online behavior.

Schools and community organizations are expected to play a key role in spreading these vital messages.

The guidelines also emphasize collaboration with internet service providers (ISPs) and tech companies to enforce stricter safety measures.

This includes enhanced privacy protections for children’s personal data and more secure online environments.

In partnership with ISPs, the CAK is pushing for stronger encryption protocols to safeguard children’s information from potential breaches.