TikTok is ramping up its commitment to online safety across Sub-Saharan Africa with the establishment of its first Safety Advisory Council, a move that includes Ghanaian content creator Dennis Coffie among its eight distinguished members. This council, composed of internet and information experts from six African countries, will work closely with TikTok to develop policies and address regional safety concerns, ensuring a secure and positive environment for users across the platform.

The newly launched Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council marks a significant step in TikTok’s ongoing efforts to enhance platform safety. The council brings together experts who will collaborate with TikTok to create forward-looking policies that anticipate and address the unique challenges faced in the region. Alongside Dennis Coffie from Ghana, the council includes:

• Prof Guy Berger from Rhodes University, South Africa
• Peter Cunliffe-Jones, a visiting research fellow at the University of Westminster, UK
• Aisha Dabo, co-founder and coordinator of AfricTivistes, Senegal
• Lillian Kariuki, founder and executive director of Watoto Watch Network, Kenya
• Dr. Akinola Olojo, an expert on preventing and countering violent extremism, Nigeria
• Prof Medhane Tadesse, a policy academic on peace and security issues, Ethiopia
• Berhan Taye, an independent researcher, Ethiopia

The council’s formation is a continuation of TikTok’s global initiative to bolster safety, following the creation of nine regional Safety Advisory Councils and the U.S. Content Advisory Council since 2020. These councils have been pivotal in shaping TikTok’s policies, product features, and safety processes, ensuring the platform remains responsive to the evolving digital landscape.

TikTok’s efforts to enhance online safety in Sub-Saharan Africa are also supported by the expansion of the #SaferTogether community education campaign. This initiative seeks to engage the community in understanding the platform’s community guidelines and safety features through workshops, social media outreach, and partnerships with key stakeholders. The campaign aims to foster a collaborative approach to maintaining a secure space for creative expression.

The impact of TikTok’s #SaferTogether campaign has already been significant in Kenya, where workshops have been conducted in 26 out of 47 counties, reaching over 64,000 students, more than 467 parents, and 346 teachers. These workshops encourage best practices on online platforms, promoting a safer digital experience for all users.

TikTok has also partnered with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD) to deliver digital literacy programs across Africa. This partnership, announced at the inaugural TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Ghana, aims to equip young people and their carers with the skills to navigate digital platforms safely and responsibly.

Supporting these initiatives is TikTok’s set of Community Guidelines, which are foundational to the platform’s safety strategy. Developed with input from safety experts and community members, these guidelines define acceptable behavior and content, helping to foster a safe and welcoming environment on the platform. They are regularly updated to address emerging safety issues, ensuring the platform remains a positive space for all users.

TikTok’s collaboration with its newly formed Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, including Ghana’s Dennis Coffie, underscores the platform’s dedication to enhancing online safety and creating a secure digital space for users throughout the region.