The Federal Government has shutdown of more than 13 million social media accounts over offensive contents and violations of the Code of Practice 2024 by users on major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
The disclosure was contained in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection”, which submitted to the government by operators of interactive computer service platforms, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.
According to the report, a total of 13,597,057 accounts were deactivated, while 58,909,112 offensive contents were removed from various platforms during the review period.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Hajiya Hadiza Umar, indicated that 754,629 complaints were formally registered against users, and about 420,439 contents were removed and later re-uploaded following appeals.
She stated that the compliance reports provided valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and their respective community guidelines.
The NITDA spokesperson commended the tech giants for their sustained compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Practice, stressing that the development represents a major step towards creating a safer and more responsible digital environment for citizens.
Specifically, she maintained that the Code of Practice mandated large service platforms to register in Nigeria, comply with national laws, fulfill tax obligations, and uphold online safety standards.
The Director stressed: “While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.”
She assured that the agency would continue to collaborate with industry players, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other relevant regulatory partners to ensure user safety, enhance digital literacy, and build trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem