NCIC Threatens to Have Facebook Suspended in Kenya over Hate Speech

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has threatened to have Facebook suspended in Kenya if the social media platform fails to comply with hate speech prevention guidelines within seven days.

This comes after a recently released report by international non-governmental organization (NGO) Global Witness revealed that Facebook has failed to detect and regulate hate speech content in the country ahead of the August 9th general elections.

“From the report, it is very clear that Facebook is in violation of the laws of our country. They have allowed themselves to be a vector of hate speech and incitement, misinformation, and disinformation,” NCIC Commissioner Danvas Makori said during a media briefing on Friday.

Makori says it has notified the Communication Authority (CA) to take action against Facebook, stating that the actions of the American social media giant contravene the Constitution, NCIC Act, and the Communication Act of Kenya.

“It is clear that their pursuit for profit supersedes their responsibility as far as peace and security is concerned in our country,” Makori noted.

The commissioner further faulted Facebook’s unwillingness to spearhead peace messages ahead of the upcoming elections, yet they allow hate speech and incitement on their platform. He regretted that the platform was discriminatory in regulating hate speech content in Africa.

“The hate speech moderation in the USA and Europe is very robust. There is a double standard to their moderation and self-policing,” Makori added.

In March, NCIC announced it was investigating 36 political bloggers for allegedly spreading hate speech ahead of the August 9th elections.

The commission said the targeted bloggers are affiliated to both Azimio La Umoja and the Kenya Kwanza political camps, which are headed by ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto respectively.

NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia said the unnamed bloggers are notorious for spreading hate speech messages on their social media platforms.

“The 36 are closely being monitored and the Commission is currently investigating them with the aim of ensuring that they will be presented in court,” said Kobia.

Kobia indicated that nine bloggers have already been charged with the offense of hate speech while 27 will be arraigned once the commission completes investigations against them.

“Once the Commission is done, the Commission will make their names public,” he added.