In a significant step towards enhancing user safety in Sub-Saharan Africa, popular video-sharing platform TikTok has introduced its inaugural Safety Advisory Council for the region.

This initiative underscores TikTok's dedication to ensuring its policies, features, and protocols resonate with the unique challenges and cultural nuances of the African digital landscape.

Valiant Richey, TikTok's Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships for Trust and Safety, emphasized the council's pivotal role in fortifying safety within the social media sphere.

"By establishing the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, we're demonstrating our commitment to incorporating expert African perspectives into our Trust and Safety endeavours," he explained.

"The council's members were selected for their diverse expertise and experience, and we anticipate a fruitful collaboration in the years to come."

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In conjunction with the council's launch, TikTok has expanded its 'SaferTogether' campaign to further educate users about the platform's community guidelines and safety features.

This initiative will involve a combination of interactive workshops, social media outreach, and strategic partnerships to promote safe online practices.

The campaign aims to foster a collective sense of responsibility within the TikTok community, ensuring a secure environment for creative expression.

TikTok's safety efforts have garnered significant support from Safaricom, a key partner in the region. Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC, commended TikTok's initiatives, stating, "At Safaricom, we firmly believe that the internet is a valuable resource that should be accessible to everyone, safely."

She added, "The announcement of the TikTok Safety Advisory Council and the launch of the SaferTogether campaign demonstrate TikTok's commitment to bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve a common goal – ensuring online safety and promoting the responsible use of its platform across Africa."

TikTok’s commitment to enhancing user safety, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflects a broader trend of tech companies recognising the need for culturally relevant and effective safety measures in diverse regions.