Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba's recent proposal for stricter regulations on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has ignited a wave of anger among Kenyans.

During a speech to the Senate, she highlighted the need for oversight in light of rising concerns about misinformation, hate speech, and violations of privacy on social media.

“Mr. Speaker, this is my request for a statement on operations of the social media platform X, cooperation formerly Twitter in the country,” Orwoba stated, invoking standing order 53 - 1 to address the Senate regarding these pressing issues.

She cited Brazil's Supreme Court, which recently imposed a nationwide suspension of X for failing to comply with court orders to remove harmful accounts and content.

“Back in Kenya, abuse of social media, including X, to spread misinformation and hate speech continues to be of concern,” she added.

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Orwoba's call to action also touched on the legal ramifications of social media use in Kenya, particularly in regard to the Data Protection Act.

She expressed alarm over the “proliferation of the internet and social media” being exploited to target innocent individuals and expose sensitive information.

“This worrying trend should be dealt with urgently to deter the perpetrators,” she insisted.

In her address, she outlined specific requests for the standing committee on information, communication, and technology to consider:

Guidelines for Compliance: She urged the committee to “outline the basic guidelines that the Communication Authority of Kenya and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) have laid to ensure that X complies with Kenyan laws and regulations.”

Registration Verification: Orwoba called for confirmation on whether platforms such as X, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram are officially registered in Kenya.

Customer Care Measures: She demanded an explanation of the measures in place to ensure victims of social media abuse can access customer care services to report misuse.

However, Orwoba's statements have not been well-received, with many Kenyans taking to social media to voice their discontent.

Critics argue that her proposal could lead to excessive regulation and potential censorship of free speech, raising concerns about government overreach in digital spaces.

As public sentiment continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the Senate will respond to Orwoba's proposals and the backlash from the Kenyan populace.