TikTok, the short-form mobile video company, has announced a partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD) to raise online safety awareness among youth and parents across the continent.
Details
TikTok said that it is collaborating with the African Union Commission (AUC) to launch the Africa-wide #SaferTogether Campaign, which will educate and engage young people, parents, teachers, and community leaders on digital safety through its-app and on-ground activities.
This major, multi-year programme was unveiled on March 14 at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Accra, Ghana, which was attended by government officials and regulators from all around the continent.
What They Saying
TikTok said: “Africa stands at a digital crossroads, with the rapid proliferation of social media platforms juxtaposed against rising concerns for the safety of its youngest citizens. The recent wave of regulatory scrutiny and the shadow of potential bans underscore the importance of proactive measures to ensure a safe online environment.”
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, government relations and public policy director, TikTok, Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “Our #SaferTogether partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender and Youth Directorate reinforces TikTok’s commitment to the diverse tapestry of markets across Africa.
Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, director of the women, gender, and youth directorate African Union, commented: “The #SaferTogether campaign launch with TikTok is in line with the African Union’s ongoing efforts to promote and advocate for not only safe online experiences for young people in Africa, but also their mental well-being through the one million next level initiative.
“While access to internet can help children and young people stay connected, improve their digital literacy, and diversify their livelihoods, it is crucial that they are provided with a safe environment to reap the benefits of digital platforms.”
Why This Matters
The social media network is currently under heightened attention in African countries due to its content and influence on a younger people.
Zoom Out
TikTok is currently facing a ban in the United States after the House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban TikTok in the US unless TikTok’s company, Chinese-based Bytedance, divests from the company. The bill has to pass the Senate before it’s passed into law.
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