By Uche Onyeali
Federal government said more than 13 million social media accounts have been shut down for violating the code of practice on offensive content.
The accounts were removed from platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter.
This was disclosed in a statement yesterday by the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Hadiza Umar.
Details of government’s action were contained in a ‘Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report’ submitted by promoters of interactive computer service platforms such as Google, Microsoft and TikTok, among others.
The Code of Practice was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, NITDA, and the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC.
According to Umar, 58,909,112 offensive contents were taken down from various platforms.
She commended Google, Microsoft and TikTok for complying with the code of practice for interactive computer service platforms.
She said 754,629 complaints were registered across the platforms, adding that 420,439 pieces of content were taken down and re-uploaded following user appeals.
“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 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 ensure 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 fulfilment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.
“While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise 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 strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” the statement said.
