ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Major tech companies, including Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok, have collectively removed over 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).
In a press statement released on Tuesday, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, revealed the figures as part of the 2023 compliance report on the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries.
The report underscores efforts by these platforms to align with Nigeria’s regulatory framework for managing harmful online content.
The Code of Practice, jointly issued by NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Broadcasting Commission, establishes guidelines to enhance online safety and limit the spread of harmful material on digital platforms.
According to NITDA’s findings, a total of 65,853,581 pieces of flagged content were removed across the platforms.
Nigerian users submitted 4,125,283 complaints concerning harmful content, leading to the deactivation of over 12 million accounts and the removal of associated materials.
Additionally, 379,433 pieces of content were reinstated after successful user appeals, reflecting the platforms’ responsiveness to user concerns and their provision of content review mechanisms.
Recognizing the growing importance of digital safety, NITDA commended the tech firms for their compliance with the Code of Practice, which aims to foster a safer and more accountable digital space for Nigerians.
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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 further highlighted data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the National Bureau of Statistics, showing that foreign digital companies, including social media platforms, generated over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in tax contributions during the first half of 2024.
This underscores the sector’s increasing economic significance.
NITDA also emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between tech companies and regulators to tackle emerging digital challenges, particularly in content moderation, user safety, and transparency.