TikTok, AUC Launch a New Campaign to Educate Africans on Digital Safety

TikTok and the African Union Commission (AUC) have launched the Africa-wide #SaferTogether Campaign to educate and engage youth, parents, teachers, and community leaders on digital safety through in-app and on-ground activities.

The multi-year initiative, launched at the TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Accra, Ghana last week and attended by various government officials and regulators across Africa, underscores both TikTok and the AUC’s commitment to digital literacy and safety. The initiative includes a comprehensive in-app campaign featuring educational videos on internet safety, supported by hashtag challenges and content creator safety endorsements.

By coming together for safer internet conversations, TikTok and the AUC are committed to providing valuable educational materials and guidelines to craft a positive and secure online journey for Africans.

Combining in-app and on-ground efforts, the two parties aim to educate and empower communities on digital safety, aligning closely with the AUC’s focus on children’s safety in the digital space and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. Additionally, TikTok and the AUC will also distribute “Digital Safety Toolkits” to aid teachers and guardians in addressing crucial digital safety issues. These resources will be accessible on TikTok through a dedicated microsite, serving as an interactive guide for promoting safer online practices.

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Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Government Relations & Public Policy Director, TikTok, Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “Our #SaferTogether partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate reinforces TikTok’s deep commitment to the diverse tapestry of markets across Africa.” “Through initiatives like our educational workshops and the development of comprehensive safety toolkits, we are committed to nurturing a digitally safe environment for all.”

Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, Director of the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate African Union, lauded the partnership as a vital step towards empowering Africa’s youth and safeguarding their digital futures.

“The #SaferTogether campaign launch with TikTok is in line with the African Union’s ongoing efforts to promote and advocate for not only safe online experiences for young people in Africa but also their mental well-being through the 1 Million Next Level Initiative,” remarked Ngwenya.

Ngwenya further stated while internet access can help children and young people stay connected, improve their digital literacy, and diversify their livelihoods, they must be provided with a safe environment to reap the benefits of digital platforms.

Through frameworks and initiatives such as the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa and the 1 Million Next Level Initiative, AUC aims to not only increase access to digital platforms for young people but also promote their safe use to address issues related to unsafe internet use.

TikTok remains committed to implementing effective security measures and empowering users with control over their accounts and content. This commitment is reflected in its comprehensive community guidelines and robust moderation policies, which promote a community-driven approach to safety by encouraging active user participation in safeguarding the community.

As TikTok and the AUC embark on this journey, they reaffirm their collective promise to create a more inclusive, safer online community for Africa’s youth. Through the fusion of technology and education, this partnership is expected to equip young individuals with the tools and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the digital realm with wisdom and safety.

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