Following what it described as the violation the Code of Practice 2024 with offensive content on social media platforms on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), the Federal Government has announced the shutting down of about 13,597,057 social media accounts.
The government explained that its decision was predicated upon the provisions of the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report, submitted to it by promoters of interactive computer service platforms, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok,
The Code of Practice was jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The government said that the submission of the reports marked a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users, adding that it also demonstrated the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for all.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of NITDA, stated that a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents were pulled down from various platforms.
Mrs Umar also said that 754,629 complaints were registered by users during the period, adding that 420,439 contents were taken down and later reinstated following successful appeals.
NITDA emphasised the need for sustained collaboration among industry players, civil society, and regulators to further strengthen user safety, enhance digital literacy, and promote transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
According to Umar; “The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines”.
Umar further said that the submission of the reports demonstrated the platforms’ commitment to a safer and more responsible digital environment for Nigerians.
According to her; “The Code of Practice mandates that large service platforms operating in Nigeria must be registered in the country, comply with relevant laws, and fulfill their tax obligations, while also ensuring user safety”.
Find below the statement by NITDA
Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms efforts on Online Harm Protection
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) wishes to commend Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their continued compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries and for the submission of the 2024 compliance report.
The Code which was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.
The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines.
The highlight of the overall statistics across all platforms includes the following:
- Seven hundred fifty-four thousand, six hundred twenty-nine (754,629) registered complaint.
- Fifty-eight million, nine hundred nine thousand, one hundred twelve (58,909,112) content takedown.
- Four hundred twenty thousand, four hundred thirty-nine (420,439) removed and reuploaded content following an appeal by users.
- Thirteen million, five hundred ninety-seven thousand, fifty-seven (13,597,057) closed and deactivated accounts.
The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users. It also demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for all.
This achievement reflects the provisions of the Code of Practice, which mandates that large service platforms are registered in Nigeria and comply with relevant laws including the fulfillment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.
While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasize that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders. We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Signed:
Mrs Hadiza Umar fnipr; f.apra
Director, Corporate Communications & Media Relations Department
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
