NITDA commended the tech giants for their commitment to ensuring a safer online environment by adhering to the Code of Practice.
Abuja, Nigeria – Major technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok, have collectively removed more than 65 million pieces of content from their platforms in Nigeria.
This action follows user complaints and is part of efforts to comply with the country’s regulations on digital safety, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The announcement was made in a press statement on Tuesday by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations. The data forms part of the 2023 compliance report on the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries.
The Code of Practice, issued jointly by NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), provides a framework to enhance online safety and curb the spread of harmful content. The report reveals that 65,853,581 pieces of content were removed from the platforms after complaints from Nigerian users.
In total, 4,125,283 complaints were lodged by users regarding harmful or inappropriate material, resulting in over 12 million user accounts being deactivated and offensive content being removed. Additionally, 379,433 pieces of content were reinstated following successful user appeals, highlighting the platforms’ responsiveness to content review processes.
NITDA commended the tech giants for their commitment to ensuring a safer online environment by adhering to the Code of Practice. “The 2023 compliance report provides valuable insight into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and their own community guidelines,” the agency noted.
The agency emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulators and digital platforms to address emerging challenges in content moderation, user safety, and transparency.
The report also highlighted the significant economic contributions of foreign digital companies to Nigeria. Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that social media platforms and other foreign digital companies contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes during the first half of 2024.
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