The federal government has announced that more than 13 million social media accounts have been taken down for violating the code of practice on offensive content.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to the ‘Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report’ submitted by operators of interactive computer service platforms including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, the accounts were removed from TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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).
Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s director of corporate communications and media relations, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that 58,909,112 offensive posts were removed across the platforms. She added that 754,629 complaints were registered, while 420,439 pieces of content were taken down and later re-uploaded after user appeals.
She said, “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 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 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 further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
