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Earlier in the week, the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, reported that major global platforms, Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, have suspended millions of Nigerian accounts. The accounts suspended numbered over 13.5 million. Their suspension was in accordance with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online platforms.
The Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms is jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Broadcasting Commission, and NITDA. It provides guidelines for enhancing online security and handling damaging content.
Hadiza Umar, the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, reported on the 2024 compliance report on Wednesday, stating, “The compliance reports offer important insights into the platforms’ initiatives to tackle user safety issues. It is in accordance with their codes of practice and community guidelines.”
The key takeaway from the total statistics across all platforms indicates that there are 754,629 complaints recorded. We documented 58,909,112 content removals and 420,439 reinstated and re-uploaded content pieces after user appeals. A total of 13,597,057 accounts were closed and deactivated.’’
Ms. Umar indicated that the delivery of the reports represented a critical advancement, promoting a more secure and accountable digital space for users in Nigeria. She believes it also shows the platform’s dedication to providing everyone with a safe and reliable online space.
She said, “This decision upholds the code of conduct requirements, which require that major service platforms be registered in Nigeria. They must also adhere to extant laws, including meeting tax responsibilities.” NITDA stressed that creating a safer digital environment requires ongoing cooperation and involvement from all parties.
She affirmed that NITDA collaborates with industry stakeholders, civil society, and regulatory partners to enhance user safety protocols.
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Content Restrictions Based on Local Laws
When authorities think material on any social media platform violates local laws, they may request that the company limit the content. They might also obtain court directives to restrict accounts. Sometimes, they restrict content on certain accounts based on claims from private entities and the general public that the content is illegal. They assess these requests according to their obligations as part of the Global Network Initiative and Corporate Human Rights Policy.
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The platforms notify users when they restrict something they shared due to a report that indicates the content violates local law. They also inform users when they attempt to access restricted content in their country. In most instances, the notification also reveals which government agency issued the takedown request that led to the restriction. There are a few cases in which the law expressly prevents them from doing so.