The Nigerian government has shut down 13.5 million social media accounts due to alleged offensive content and code of practice violations.
This impacted users of social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Tech giants Microsoft, Google, Meta, TikTok, and X took the action in accordance with the code of practice that was “issued jointly 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, made this revelation in a statement on Wednesday.
59 million social media content shut down
Hajiya Hadiza Umar added that the government claimed that 58,909,112 offensive materials had been taken down from different platforms.
“We recorded 58,909,112 content takedown, 420,439 removed and re-uploaded content following appeal by users,” she said.
Due to the alleged infractions, 13,597,057 social media accounts were removed.
“There were 13,597,057 closed and deactivated accounts,” she added.
The compliance reports offer insightful information about the platforms’ attempts to address user safety issues through the community guidelines and the Code of Practice.
Enabling a secure and responsible online environment
Hajiya Umar said that the reports’ submission is a big step in creating a more secure and responsible online environment for Nigerian users.
It further illustrates the platforms’ dedication to providing users with a safe and reliable online environment.
This accomplishment demonstrates the Code of Practice’s requirements that major service platforms register in Nigeria and adhere to all applicable laws, including paying taxes, while reaffirming the dedication to Nigerians’ online safety.
The statement further reads, “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 further, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
What Nigeria’s Code of Practice says
The Nigerian government issued the Code of Practice that was relied upon to regulate Nigerians’ social media accounts in 2022.
The code partly reads that social media companies must: “Act expeditiously upon receiving an Order from a Court of record directing a Platform to provide any information under its domain or any assistance to any Authorised Government Agency to carry out an investigation, combat cybercrimes, or prosecuting an offence.
“Act expeditiously upon receiving a notice from an Authorised Government Agency of unlawful content on its Platform. A Platform must acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and take down the content within 48 hours.
“Act expeditiously upon receiving a notice from a User of unlawful content on its Platform. A Platform must acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and take down the content as soon as reasonably practicable.”