Censorship and Regulations, The Two Sides of TikTok, How Rules and Filters Shape What We See.

In the recent past there has been clamor to sensor TikTok and the Kenyan parliament has received a petition to regulate this App that has become very popular globally and in Kenya. So why is regulation so important? American government through Congress summoned TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew a while back on the same issue of regulations. So, what is TikTok and why is every Government keen to regulate its use?

Think of TikTok as a big playground where people share short videos. But here's the twist, there are two versions of TikTok, like two sides of a coin. One is for China, called Douyin, and the other is for the rest of the world.

In China's version, Douyin, the government has strict rules about what can be shown. This is because the government there doesn't like when people talk about certain topics, like a big event that happened in Tiananmen Square, or the mistreatment of a group called the Uyghurs who are Muslims. So, the special computer program that runs Douyin keeps these things out.

For the rest of the world, TikTok is like a playground with some watchful grown-ups. There are rules that say certain things can't be shown, like people without clothes, violent stuff, or mean words. There's a special computer program here too, that helps find and remove these things.

Now, these different rules make a big difference in how we enjoy TikTok. In China, people might not see things that challenge what the government says. It's like everyone has to agree with one idea. But outside China, we get to see many different things. That's good because we can learn more and talk about all sorts of stuff. But sometimes, we might see things that make us uncomfortable, inappropriate content.

This story is really about a tough choice. TikTok is a cool place where we can share our thoughts and feelings. But the people who run TikTok have to decide how much to watch over us. They want to keep us safe, but they also want us to have the freedom to say what we think.

As someone who knows about technology, I want to tell you that TikTok has two faces, one that follows certain rules, and another that's more open. It's important to know this, so you can decide if TikTok is right for you. And it's also a reminder that we should all be able to express ourselves online without getting in trouble.

 

Let's hope that TikTok can find a balance between safety and freedom. This way, we can all keep having fun, sharing ideas, and staying connected, while also staying respectful and kind to each other.

Just because it is open here in our other side of the world doesn’t mean you overstep and use TikTok inappropriately through either political utterances or going against certain norms.

Free speech is not always free speech keep that in mind. Big brother is always watching you.

Author,

Ekaale Ekuam

Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Management Consultant.