This is what content creators need to know to stay ethical

Dar es Salaam. Content creators across the country have been urged to prioritise ethical content creation over the pursuit of views and followers.

This call comes after an incident involving a Sengerema-based content creator, Jide Boy, whose controversial video led to government action and public backlash.

In the video, Jide Boy, known for his TikTok presence, is seen holding a child while claiming he was selling parts of the child’s body to the rich for Sh1.6 million.

The video quickly sparked outrage, prompting the minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, to call for police intervention.

Following the public outcry and police search for him, Jide Boy took to his TikTok account on January 4 to apologise for his actions, admitting he was unaware of the law.

He vowed to report to the authorities after learning that the police were looking for him.

“I learnt from the media that the police are searching for me, so I decided to report to the station,” Jide Boy explained in his TikTok video. But Dr Gwajima expressed concern over the actions of content creators, emphasising the importance of responsibility when posting online.

She warned creators to be mindful of their content. “To content creators, follow the rules. As for issues of ethics and child protection, I will continue to stand firm,” Dr Gwajima wrote on her X account.

In response to the growing concerns about unethical content, The Citizen spoke with digital media experts and content creators to understand the steps that need to be taken to ensure ethical standards in online content creation.

Understanding the cultural context

Digital content creator, Alex Hamis, stressed the need for content creators to understand their cultural context when creating material.

He pointed out that many creators, especially those new to the profession, often neglect cultural norms and sensitivities, which can lead to problematic content.

“Our culture is unique, and certain things that might be acceptable in other countries could be deeply offensive or damaging here. Content creators must be aware of how their content might be received in our society,” said Hamis.

He also urged creators to consider broader societal issues when posting content.

“At a time when we are facing grave issues such as child abductions and violence, creators must be more thoughtful about the content they share,” he added.

Entertainment manager, Juma Hamad, also known as Manager Jayzow, emphasised the importance of having a team of advisors who can provide guidance before posting content.

“Content creators need to have a support system in place, people who can help assess the potential risks of a post before it goes live. This can help prevent unnecessary problems with authorities or negative backlash,” he shared.

According to media personnel, Mwemba Burton, alias Mwijaku, highlighted the critical need for content creators to familiarise themselves with the legal aspects of content creation.

Avoiding the obsession with virality

Clayton Chipando, also known as Baba Levo, expressed concern over the obsession with going viral, which often leads to the creation of content without considering its ethical or legal implications.

“Many creators today are more focused on getting viral than on the quality or substance of their content. Think before you post, because one careless video can have major legal repercussions,” Baba Levo warned.

According to an advocate of the High Court, Nuru Mtambo, spoke about the legal responsibilities of content creators.

She pointed out that to operate legally, creators must adhere to regulations set by the government.

“Content creators must be registered with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority. All content creators, including bloggers, vloggers, and influencers, are required to obtain a license to operate under the Electronic and Postal Communications regulations,” Ms Mtambo explained.