January 16, 2025
The lawsuit alleges that the social media giant has failed to regulate the publication of hate speech and pornographic content on its platform, creating a harmful environment for users.
Kenyan Man Sues X (Twitter) Over Hate Speech and Pornographic Content
Nairobi, Kenya – January 13, 2025
Felix Kibet, a Kenyan who has described himself as an advocate for online accountability, has filed a lawsuit against X (formerly Twitter) in the High Court of Kenya. The lawsuit alleges that the social media giant has failed to regulate the publication of hate speech and pornographic content on its platform, creating a harmful environment for users.
According to court documents, Kibet claims that X has not adequately enforced its community guidelines, allowing offensive and explicit content to proliferate. He argues that this negligence has resulted in significant harm to individuals and communities, including the spread of divisive and harmful rhetoric.
“X has a responsibility to protect its users from content that promotes hatred and violates social norms. The failure to moderate this content has caused real harm, both online and offline,” Kibet said during a press briefing in Nairobi.
The activist highlights specific instances of hate speech targeting marginalized groups in Kenya, citing recent examples where harmful posts incited tribal animosity and violence. Additionally, he claims that the platform has become a hub for explicit material, easily accessible to minors and vulnerable populations, further exacerbating societal harm.
Kibet’s legal team is seeking a court order compelling X to implement stricter content moderation policies in Kenya and globally. The suit also demands an apology from the platform’s management and financial compensation for damages caused by the harmful content.
The case has sparked widespread debate in Kenya, with some supporting Kibet’s stance on holding social media platforms accountable, while others question the feasibility of regulating online content without infringing on free speech.
Technology analyst James Wekesa weighed in on the matter, noting the challenge platforms like X face in balancing freedom of expression with content moderation. “Social media companies must find effective ways to regulate content without suppressing legitimate discourse. It’s a complex issue that requires collaboration between tech firms, governments, and civil society.”
X, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has faced criticism worldwide for its content moderation policies since Musk took over the platform in 2022. Critics argue that the platform has relaxed its content regulations, leading to a surge in hate speech, misinformation, and explicit material.
In response to previous accusations, Musk has defended his approach, emphasizing the importance of free speech and promising to address concerns through AI-driven content moderation tools. However, Kibet’s lawsuit brings fresh scrutiny to these efforts and their effectiveness in Kenya, where online abuse remains a significant challenge.
The High Court is expected to set a hearing date for the case in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, advocacy groups and digital rights organizations are closely watching the proceedings, viewing the lawsuit as a potential landmark case in the regulation of online content in Africa.
As social media continues to play a critical role in shaping public discourse, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for how platforms operate and online content moderation, not only in Kenya but across the globe.
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