Short video platform, TikTok has launched its inaugural Global Youth Council, comprising 15 teenagers from around the world, including several from Africa in a move to amplify African voices in digital spaces.
The council, which includes representatives from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt, is tasked with advising TikTok on how to make its platform more inclusive and safer for African users.
According to TikTok in a statement to The PUNCH, the Global Youth Council is part of its commitment to empowering young people and ensuring that they have a seat at the table in shaping the digital future.
The council will provide input on issues such as online safety, digital inclusion, and content moderation, with a focus on the African context.
TikTok’s Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Valiant Richey, said: “TikTok is a platform where families come to create and enjoy memorable moments, and we want to ensure we’re empowering families with the tools to do this.
“Listening to teens and then making meaningful changes based on what they have to say is one of the most important steps we can take to continue building a safe platform.”
The launch of the Global Youth Council follows TikTok’s recent research report, which highlighted the importance of online platforms in empowering African youth and promoting digital inclusion.
The CEO of Mtoto News in Kenya, Jennifer Kaberi, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating: “In a world where digital landscapes form the cornerstone of our children and youth’s realities, it’s imperative that their voices shape the very fabric of this digital era.
TikTok’s dedication to amplifying the voices of the young, particularly highlighting our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, is a bold step forward. This initiative is about revolutionising how we engage with digital futures through the lens of those who will inherit it.”
