Nigeria Shuts Down 13.5m Social Media Accounts, Removes 58.9m Offensive Contents

The Federal government of Nigeria has taken a significant step to bring safety to the social media space with immediate shutdown of about 13,597,057 social media accounts for offensive contents and breach of the code of practice by users of social media platforms.

The government also took down a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents from various platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter), 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, said.

The government decision was contained in a Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted to the government by enablers of interactive computer service platforms such as Google, Microsoft, TikTok and others, which stipulates guidelines for users.

The 2024 report titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection,” was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NITDA, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

In the statement, the NITDA spokesperson lauded Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their sustained adherence to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, adding that 754,629 were “registered complaints.”

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According to Umar, 420,439 contents were removed and re-uploaded following appeals by users, stressing that 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.

She said, “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.”