By Ayomide Otitoju
Global technology companies Google, Microsoft, and TikTok have deactivated more than 13.5 million Nigerian accounts for violating online safety standards and the country’s code of conduct for internet use.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hajiya Hadiza Umar.
The move was detailed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NITDA, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
According to the report, the platforms removed 58.9 million offensive pieces of content while acting on 754,629 registered complaints from Nigerian users.
“The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users,” Umar said. She commended the platforms for complying with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding online spaces.
Umar stressed that the Code also mandates large platforms operating in Nigeria to register locally, comply with national laws, and fulfil their tax obligations. She added that sustained collaboration with civil society, regulators, and industry stakeholders is essential to strengthen digital literacy, enhance user safety, and build trust in the country’s online ecosystem.
The compliance report, she said, underscores the platforms’ commitment to curbing harmful content and promoting responsible digital engagement in Nigeria.
