Parliament Raises Alarm Over TikTok’s Impact on Teens, Demand Stricter Oversight
During a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Eric Muchangi Karemba acknowledged the transformative role of the internet in advancing Kenya’s digital economy but warned that unchecked social media use poses significant risks.
“However, the committee recommends social media platforms, including TikTok, be regulated and be subject to compliance reviews by the relevant state agencies,” Karemba told the House.
The Ruyenjes legislator emphasized that while innovation and digital entrepreneurship should be encouraged, oversight mechanisms must evolve alongside technological growth to safeguard vulnerable users, particularly minors.
Seconding the motion, Tom Joseph Kajwang’ underscored Parliament’s constitutional mandate to protect citizens from emerging threats in both physical and digital spaces.
“The question of TikTok is an important discussion which we must have,” Kajwang’ stated, adding that lawmakers have a duty to provide oversight in matters affecting public welfare.
Mental health and data concerns
Kajwang’ pointed to rising mental health challenges among young people, alleged data privacy violations, and increasing social isolation linked to prolonged social media use as justification for stronger regulatory measures.
“These are not speculative fears. We are witnessing young people spending extended hours online at the expense of their well-being and real-world interactions,” he said.
“Regulation does not necessarily mean banning. It means ensuring accountability and protecting minors from harm,” he added.
The debate in Parliament follows findings from a preliminary investigation by the European Union on February 6, 2026, which reportedly found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The probe raised concerns over features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and highly personalised recommendation systems, which regulators argued could reduce users’ self-control and negatively affect minors’ mental well-being.
Kenyan legislators also cited the proliferation of inappropriate content, particularly during late-night livestreams, as a pressing issue. Some lawmakers expressed concern that certain broadcasts featured nudity and conduct deemed inconsistent with Kenya’s cultural and religious values.
Government directive on accountability
The scrutiny comes against the backdrop of a government directive requiring all social media companies operating in Kenya to establish physical offices within the country. Officials argue that local presence would enhance accountability and enable authorities to address misuse of digital platforms more effectively.
Meanwhile, TikTok has previously stated that it has intensified content moderation efforts in Kenya. The platform announced that between July and September 2025, it removed more than 580,000 videos for violating its Community Guidelines.
Despite these measures, lawmakers maintain that voluntary compliance may not be sufficient without a formal regulatory framework anchored in law.
With growing support in the House, the motion is expected to proceed to the Departmental Committee on Information, Communication and Innovation. The committee will review proposals for a regulatory framework and submit recommendations for debate.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that technology serves society, not the other way around,” one legislator remarked during the deliberations.
As the conversation unfolds, the proposed oversight measures are likely to spark broader national debate over balancing digital freedom, innovation, and the protection of young users in an increasingly connected world.
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Parliament Raises Alarm Over TikTok’s Impact on Teens, Demand Stricter Oversight
