Major tech firms including Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok, have removed more than 65 million pieces of content from their platforms in Nigeria following user complaints, according to a report by the National Information Technology Development Agency.
NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations, Mrs Hadiza Umar, disclosed this in a press statement on Tuesday.
The data, which is a part of the 2023 compliance report on the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, highlights the companies’ efforts to meet Nigeria’s regulatory requirements for managing certain online content.
The code, jointly issued by NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Broadcasting Commission, sets clear guidelines for promoting online safety and curbing the spread of harmful material across digital platforms.
According to the statement, the NITDA report shows that, in total, 65,853,581 pieces of content were taken down across the four platforms after being flagged by users.
Also, 4,125,283 complaints were lodged by Nigerian users regarding harmful content, leading to the deactivation of over 12 million user accounts and the removal of offending material.
A further 379,433 pieces of content were re-uploaded following successful user appeals, indicating that the platforms are responsive to concerns and provide avenues for content review.
In line with the growing importance of digital safety, NITDA commended the platforms for adhering to the Code of Practice, which aims to create a safer and more accountable online environment for Nigerians.
It stated, “The National Information Technology Development Agency has commended Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok for their compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries. The Code which was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Broadcasting Commission, and NITDA outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.
“The 2023 compliance report provides valuable insight into the platform’s efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines. The highlight of the overall statistics across all the platforms includes the following: 4,125,283 registered complaints; and 65,853,581 content takedowns.
“379,433 removed and re-uploaded content following an appeal by users; 12,099,633 closed and deactivated accounts.”
The statement also noted that the data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that foreign digital companies, including social media platforms, contributed over N2.55tn (approximately $1.5bn) in taxes during the first half of 2024, reflecting the growing economic impact of the sector.
While acknowledging the progress made, NITDA urged continued collaboration between tech firms and regulators to address emerging digital challenges, particularly in the areas of content moderation, user safety, and transparency.
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