Earlier this year, Kenya Film Classification Board asked Google Kenya to take down a YouTube video. The video is a remix of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Same Love, which advocates for recognition of gay rights. KFCB stated that the video promotes irresponsible sexual behavior while undermining laws of Kenya. The board further states portrayals in the video contravene laws regulating distribution of content. Google Kenya then wrote back to KFCB stating it lacked the authority to take down any content on YouTube. KFCB was advised to contact YouTube LLC or Google Inc with their request.
According to local paper Business Daily, Google has begun the process of pulling down the video which may make it inaccessible in Kenya but accessible in other countries. The paper quotes KFCB CEO Ezekiel Mutua as calling the move by Google acceptable although short of their demand for total deletion. The video can now be accessed but with Google adding a discretion informing users of its flagging as potentially in appropriate.
The board has taken stances on content broadcasting in Kenya. It for instance opposed the launch of streaming services in Kenya by Netflix. In its stand against Netflix, the board cited the Films and Stage Acts Cap 22 that gives the authority power to regulate creation, broadcast, distribution, possession and exhibition of audiovisual content in the country. It says Netflix did not seek proper authorization. It has also banned the viewing of Wolf of Wallstreet in 2014 and the movie 50 Shades of Grey in 2015.
