By Phelomenah Gitau
Kenya has banned ‘Blue Whale Challenge ‘ game.
Kenya Classification Board banned the game saying it is responsible for hundreds of teen suicide cases in the world, including a recent case in Kenya where a 16-year-old student in Kamukunji.
It’s was a decision that was prompted by numerous complaints from parents and members of the public who are concerned by the fact that this game was been used to induce children to commit suicide in countries like Russia, UK and Nigeria.
In brief, the game has 50 challenges to be played within 50 days, and the participant is to complete tasks that range from listening to music to causing self-harm. The player has a guide who’s being referred to as ‘Curator’ who provides them with instructions, and after completing a task, to send them photos confirming they’ve actually done it. To ‘win’, the person is supposed to commit suicide.
Now, this game is not in the conventional format of computer games which constitutes downloading, installing and then playing. It can be accessed through the internet. The sad and alarming thing about this game is that children are the (easy) target. However, one has the option of continuing to play the game or to stop. “The game can be filtered in that, it gives you the capability not to continue”, said George Kibugi, Supplier, and Manager of Broadcast Equipment.
There have been reports of illegal websites being run in Kenya, a bulk of which are being run by foreigners bent on spreading vices such as homosexuality, promoting suicide and radicalisation among the youth. Also, foreign syndicates dealing in child pornography and promoting illegal drugs through illegal websites have been reported. Some programs and games such as
Also, foreign syndicates dealing in child pornography and promoting illegal drugs through illegal websites have been reported. Some programs and games such as ’13 Reasons Why’ on Netflix, ‘Grand Auto Theft’on play station, ‘A Silent House’, A Sea of Whale’, Wake Me Up at 22:40 am among others have also been reported to have aspects that are inappropriate for children. “We wish to state that the Board will not tolerate any foreigners using online platforms to cause harm to children. Any foreign operator who fails to comply will face the full force of the law,” said Kenya Film Classification Board C.E.O Dr. Ezekiel Mutua during a Press Conference at Hilton Hotel Nairobi.
“We wish to state that the Board will not tolerate any foreigners using online platforms to cause harm to children. Any foreign operator who fails to comply will face the full force of the law,” said Kenya Film Classification Board C.E.O Dr. Ezekiel Mutua during a Press Conference at Hilton Hotel Nairobi.
Asked the measure the board is putting in place to completely stop the game in the country, Dr. Mutua said the board does not have the power to shut down the internet, but it has the power to monitor content, advice parents and service providers on the best measures that can be taken to ensure safe content especially for children. “Internet Service Providers must take responsibility. K.F.C.B does not have the power to control or shut down the internet, but to
“Internet Service Providers must take responsibility. K.F.C.B does not have the power to control or shut down the internet but to advise on and monitor content. Every Internet Service Provider operating in Kenya is subject to the laws of the country and must comply accordingly,” he said.
Dr. Mutua reported that the board has written to several social media networks including Google, Twitter and Facebook, and received a commitment that the game will not be available on all platforms affiliated with the networks in Kenya. “The Board will work more closely with Google on the Web Rangers program, Technology Service Providers of Kenya, Cyber Crime Police Unit, ICT Authority and other consumer organizations to promote safety and responsible use of technology among the youth,” he emphasized.
Mutua further urged parents, religious leaders, educational institutions and child protection organizations to help in public awareness campaigns to empower children with information on responsible use of technology.
