The Federal Government has deactivated no fewer than 13,597,057 social media accounts linked to offensive content and breaches of the Code of Practice across platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
The disclosure was made in the 2024 Compliance Report submitted by interactive computer service operators, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, on their enforcement of the Code of Practice jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
According to the report, titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection,” about 58,909,112 offensive contents were taken down from different platforms during the year under review.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hadiza Umar, explained that a total of 754,629 complaints were lodged by users, out of which 420,439 contents were initially removed but later reinstated after appeals.
Umar commended the tech giants for adhering to the Code of Practice for Internet Intermediaries, stressing that their compliance had helped to safeguard Nigerian users from harmful online activities.
She stated, “The compliance reports provide valuable insights into how these platforms address safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and their respective community guidelines. The submission of these reports marks a major step towards building a safer and more responsible digital environment for Nigerians.”
Highlighting the significance of the move, she added that the provisions of the Code mandate large platforms to register in Nigeria, comply with national laws, meet tax obligations, and strengthen safety standards for citizens online.
While acknowledging the progress made, Umar stressed that sustaining online safety demands collaboration between regulators, civil society, and industry players.
She assured that NITDA would continue to work with stakeholders to enhance user protection, promote digital literacy, and foster transparency in the country’s digital ecosystem.
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