A smartphone or computer and access to internet have always been the basic requirement for one to access social media for the longest time. Once you have that, all you need is a password and user name to create an account, where you will be interacting with other social media users.

This might however change in the near future, if a new bill proposed by government is passed.

The new Bill seeks to ensure that any Kenyan who wants to access social media has a valid National Identity card.

If passed, the Kenya Information and Communication(amendment) Bill, 2024 will require Kenyans to present their IDs before accessing social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, X, TikTok among others.

The Bill is not only targeting individual social media users but also digital content creators, influencers and bloggers.

It further proposes that anyone who publishes content for public consumption will require mandatory registration with Communications Authority of Kenya.

Those who fail to comply with the requirements could face legal consequences while service providers who fail to enforce identity verification measures risk losing their licenses.

The bill is currently in public participation.

Why the bill is necessary

The new bill aims at enhancing digital accountability and curb the rising cases of cybercrime, misinformation and online harassment.

The bill will ensure responsible use of social media platforms, by limiting sharing of harmful content. It will also aid law enforcers in tracing and nabbing individuals involved with cyber crimes, hate speech, defamation and incitement.

 The negative side of the law

The new law will however limit freedom of expression. Additionally, it will infringe the right to privacy. Concerns have also been raised that people in marginalised communities and those who don’t have easy access to official documentation could be left out of the digital discourse.