Tag: social media accounts

  • 13million social media accounts shut down

    13million social media accounts shut down

    • Offensive content triggers action

    Leading global platforms Google, Microsoft and TikTok have shut down and deactivated more than 13 million social media accounts.

    Also taken down were 58.9 million contents considered as obscene.

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said the measures were in line with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online platforms. The Code highlighted efforts by social media platforms to mitigate online harm.

    In a statement yesterday by its Corporate Communications/ Media Relations Director, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the NITDA said 13,597,057 accounts have been shut down for posting offensive contents and violating the code of practice guiding social media usage.

    The statement was jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the NITDA and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    The accounts, the statement noted, were said to have breached the rules guiding platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

    Hajiya Umar said the government’s actions were contained in the 2024 Code of Practice Compliance Report submitted by promoters of interactive computer service platforms such as Google, Microsoft and Tik Tok.

    Commending Google, Microsoft and TikTok for their continued compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, Umar noted that there were 754, 629 “registered complaint.”

    She said that 420,439 contents were removed but re-uploaded following appeals by users.

    The statement reads: “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.

    “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.”

    Read Also: ‘Nigerian visa applicants to show five years social media activity’

    “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 fulfillment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.

    “While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasize 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.”

  • BREAKING: FG shuts down over 13 million social media accounts for offensive content

    BREAKING: FG shuts down over 13 million social media accounts for offensive content

    …takes down 58.9m obscene contents

    The federal government has closed down about 13,597,057 social media accounts for offensive content and violations of the code of practice by users of social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, formerly known as Twitter.

    The government action was contained in a Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted to the government by promoters of interactive computer service platforms such as Google, Microsoft and TikTok, among others.

    The Code of Practice was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    The 2024 report was titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ efforts on Online Harm Protection”

    In a statement signed on Wednesday by the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of NITDA, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the government said a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents were taken down from various platforms.

    Hajiya Umar, who commended Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their continued compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, also noted that 754,629 were “registered complaints.”

    Read Also: How Kano-born social media comedian, Aabdulbk is breaking barriers

     She added that 420,439 contents were removed and re-uploaded following appeals by users.

    “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.

    Hajiya Umar 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.”