A new bill introduced in Kenya aims to require all social media users both new and existing to verify their identities using their national Identification Cards before accessing platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Aldai Member of Parliament Marianne Kitany, is designed to protect children from harmful online content by ensuring proper age verification.
The bill emphasizes the collective responsibility of society and all stakeholders in the Internet ecosystem to safeguard children’s rights in their access and use of information and communication technology (ICT) services. If passed into law, Content Service Providers (CSPs) and Application Service Providers (ASPs) will be mandated to implement strict age verification mechanisms for all users.
To support this initiative, mobile service providers will be tasked with verifying the registration status of users on specific SIM cards to confirm that only registered users with verified identities can access social media platforms. This move targets the current loophole where users easily bypass age restrictions by entering false birthdates and pseudonyms, rendering existing safeguards ineffective.
MP Marianne Kitany highlighted the urgency of the legislation, noting that children are increasingly exposed to inappropriate content online due to weak verification processes. “The society as a whole, including all participants of the Internet eco-system, are responsible for safeguarding the rights of children in their access and use of ICT products and services,” the bill reads.
If enacted, Kenya would join a growing number of countries implementing similar measures to restrict social media access for underage users. While there is no global standard yet for universal age verification on digital platforms, several nations have initiated reforms to ensure content suitability for different age groups.
This proposed law signals Kenya’s commitment to creating a safer digital environment and protecting vulnerable groups from potential online harm, marking a significant step towards responsible internet governance in the country. However, the bill will likely prompt discussions on privacy concerns, data protection, and how best to balance safety with freedom of expression.
