₦airaland Forum

Reactions have continued to trail the recent deactivation of 13.6 million accounts of social media users in Nigeria for allegedly violating regulations.

Wednesday’s action of the interactive computer service platforms, such as Google, Microsoft and TikTok, among others, was contained in a Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

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.”

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Disclosing this on Wednesday, the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations of the NITDA, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, said a total of 58.9 million offensive contents were taken down from various platforms.

Hajiya Hadiza, 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.”

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.

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

“While the 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,” she said.

Weekend Trust reports that the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries seeks to rid the online and digital space of content, which is not unlawful but harmful; the unintentional dissemination of false information and verifiably false or misleading information that cumulatively, is created, presented and disseminated for economic gain or to deceive the public intentionally. And that may cause public harm.

It also prohibits content or information that a Court of record declared to be against the sovereignty, public interest, security, peace, or is otherwise prohibited by applicable Nigerian laws and an action or inaction with a reasonably foreseeable risk of having an adverse physical or psychological impact on individuals and the society.

The codes issued in June 2022 during the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari also include any content or information objectionable on the grounds of public interest, morality, order, security, peace, or otherwise prohibited by applicable Nigerian law.

It stipulates that contravening entities are liable to a fine of N200,000 or imprisonment for a term of one year or both – such fine and imprisonment (for first offenders) – or a fine of N500,000 for subsequent offenders.

Issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Code sets forth guidelines to govern online platforms (social media, blogs, streaming services) in Nigeria, focusing on user protection, lawful content moderation, and collaboration with government agencies to tackle misinformation and unlawful material.

It outlines obligations for both small and large-scale platforms (with over one million Nigerian users), including swift takedown measures for harmful or prohibited content, transparency in content moderation policies and procedures to address user complaints.

By enforcing certain standards such as protecting children from inappropriate content, maintaining records of complaints and providing compliance reports, this code aims to ensure a safer digital space for Nigerians, balancing the openness of the internet with users’ security and adherence to local laws.

It was launched as an initiative to regulate social media platforms, months after lifting the controversial seven-month X ban.

The federal government said the main goal of the code was to regulate and establish the best practices for platform providers and define the rules for interactions in conducting various activities in the Nigerian digital ecosystem.

The code, according to the government, also speaks to morality and information regulation as it aims to prevent users from promoting revenge porn, child sexual abuse, cyber-bullying and misinformation.

The code highlights specific responsibilities which platform providers are expected to bear in line with all information and content presented on their platform, as well as their duty to abide by Nigerian laws.

Large service platforms (LSPs) are required to fulfill certain conditions to operate in Nigeria, such as mandatory incorporation in Nigeria, payment of taxes, and the appointment of country representatives, who shall serve as a communication channel between the government and the platform provider.

Platform providers with less than 100,000 users may be required to comply with the obligations of an LSP where it appears necessary to preserve the sovereignty, security, public order, foreign diplomatic relations, and integrity of Nigeria, according to the code.

Non-compliance with the provisions of the code shall be construed as a breach of the provisions of the NITDA act of 2007, which provides for penalties such as fines and imprisonment for convicted offenders.

Policies allegedly targeting social media abuses

Following the #EndSARS protest of 2020 and the pro-Biafra agitations in the South-East, the Nigerian government under Muhammadu Buhari, in June 2021, suspended X, then Twitter due to its role in mobilising for the protests and raising funds.

The government said it blocked the app because of “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

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The US government recently announced compulsory declaration of social media usernames and handles used in the past five years as a precondition for its DS-160 visa.

“We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security. Since 2019, the United States has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on immigrant and non-immigrant visa application forms,” a statement on the website reads.

Several political leaders, such as Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and recently, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, have also called for greater regulation of social media.

There are allegations that some social media critics disappeared after making some posts, which may have offended some people.

The latest instance is Anas Muhammad Game, who has gone missing four weeks after allegedly following his social media post on the insecurity bedevilling the southern parts of Katsina State.

Muhammad, 27, a resident of Bakori town in Bakori Local Government, Katsina State, was said to have made a post concerning the exodus of community dwellers into Bakori town following incessant attacks, particularly in the neighbouring Faskari Local Government Area. It would be recalled that a Kaduna-based critic, Abu Abubakar Idris, popularly called Dadiyata, was declared missing in 2019 after making critical posts on the social media.

Lawyers differ on code’s provisions

In his reaction to the Code of Practice, Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said some of the provisions were quite extreme and may pose some difficulties.

However, he said users should still see the positives of the Code of Practice as it will finally put an end to so many issues of bullying in the digital space.

“Users of internet service platforms can now be guaranteed of measures that have been clearly defined by the Code of Practice to help curb internet irregularities, posting of unauthorised contents and so on,” he said.

Speaking with Weekend Trust on the call code, Misbahu Kolapo said its provisions were generally commendable, but it may be argued that some of the provisions infringe on certain fundamental human rights, such as freedom of expression and the right to privacy.

“Specifically, the definition of harmful content seems to give the Nigerian government unfettered control over the determination of what constitutes the phrase,” he said.

In addition, he said the right to require the assistance of social media platforms, with investigations, albeit with a court order, was undoubtedly worrisome and posed a threat to the right of privacy of the users.

For his part, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh said it was the duty of the account user to study the contractual agreements or terms and conditions before creating an account with such platforms, as only the stipulated contracts could create remedies if breached.

“However, where there is a variation or non-consensual breach by the contracting parties, such acts will be unlawful, invalid and illegal.

“The party complaining has a remedy under the law for such a breach of the contract,” he said.

Source: https://dailytrust.com/accounts-shutdown-reactions-trail-deletion-shutdown-of-nigerians-social-media-accounts

Since more then a year plus I have not posted anything on Facebook, I only watch funny videos and close my Facebook. I don't know why Nigeria government leave every other things and choose to block the joy of her citizens, although I know one day they will come for us on Facebook... Since they don't know how to add tax on it and how to stop Nigerians from laughing out their sorrows, they will choose to block it entirely. I have never voted before but, I will vote out my anger this time around because I know too well my vote will never count.

New morning
New problems
Here we go again
God bless my soul

Naira land needs this overhauling

Lowlifes and defectoid in guide of tribal warrior has become a national issue

Is this not against our fundamental rights as a user

First time ........................... . halleluyah....ha ha ha ha ha. Ha ha ha ha ha aha

A very, very welcome development. This is great news. At last. The government has woken up. I knew it was only a matter of time.

FAKE NEWS PEDDLERS HOW MARKET?! BIGOTS UNA GO CRY! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😙

Better. Some undesirable elements are made popular by these kinni sef

They can deactivate and delete as much as they want I don't benefit anything with my social media account rather it will even make my data last longer.To hell.

Government tactics in gaggling media and information dissemination. Even on Nairaland it is worse.
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Any voice that seeks to expose truth are being hunted down under the guise of funny laws

This shows the major challenge dz government has is priority issues. They can't shut the real citizens up...their time will soon be up and they will be mocked like buhari upon death

LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL

ALL MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS ARE STILL VERY ACTIVE AND EVEN JUST NOW I DON USE AM ABUSE GOVERNMENT

They are already crying after they abuse PEOPLE constantly and people are fighting back.

This is the GOVERNMENT IN POWER that shouts and cry like opposition.

Una go insult Peter Obi family, Nnamdi Kanu family ...people have seen RONU in all their Glory.

Now they are crying and trying to GAG people.

ko le werk...

we have all the receipts!!!

slytiger...wetin dey sup??

We are no longer practicing democracy in Nigeria. It's a too shameful

PheelzAlmighty:
Is this not against our fundamental rights as a user

Your fundamental human rights is not to publish fake news or make unguarded statements online.

You should understand the meaning of words before usage.

Use of social media should not be used to divide the country....make we dey manage the country like that ,till we get reasonable leaders that will make Nigeria great ....but freedom of expression is a fundamental right that shouldn't be tagged especially of those who speaks truth to power...

Words of God is powerful, it can never be shot down, deleted, destroyed and ruled out. Hallelujah ! !! !!!

Obycus:
We are no longer practicing democracy in Nigeria. It's a too shameful

Is spreading fake news and information, tarnishing people's image democracy

I guess you should start your protest against Nairaland because it doesn't support your definition of democracy.

I think Reno Omokri account should be the first to delete... But they can never try that,

It's only the opposition they will be blocking and deleting...

Kingpele:
Use of social media should not be used to divide the country....make we dey manage the country like that ,till we get reasonable leaders that will make Nigeria great ....but freedom of expression is a fundamental right that shouldn't be tagged especially of those who speaks truth to power...

You can trample on the "fundamental rights" of others and feel good about it but the moment the person or people whose rights were trampled on decide to fight back, cries of oppression fills the ai.

"Fundamental human rights" is for everyone and not for a few who decides to cry over it when the victim wants to take action.

SEE THEM--++++++++++++++ RADA RADA PRIORITY, HOW LONG WILL YOU LIVE IN HOLE AND TASTE FOR TALLEST BUILDING IN QATAR, DON'T YOU SEE YOURSELF AS SICK HUMAN BEING🥱

They are trying to gag the citizens. If you do the right things you won't need all this.

jubrilELsudan:
LIES FROM THE PIT OF HELL

ALL MY SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS ARE STILL VERY ACTIVE AND EVEN JUST NOW I DON USE AM ABUSE GOVERNMENT

The reason is because government no know you because you're inconsequential. In the order of prioritise, you're not rated.

You need to double up for you to be recognised and forget about the low pay you're currently receiving.

The should also deactivate some accounts on nairaland

Tinubu removed petrol subsidy which led to increase in transportation cost and virtually every other thing in Nigeria by x4.

Removed subsidy on tertiary education tuition fee for Nigerian students which led to increase in university school fees and he cunningly brought student loan, loan not grant.

Tinubu brought Telecom tax, this pushed data price up.


Tinubu wanted to implement bank tax but got paused.


Tinubu devalued Naira and unified our exchange rate which jerked exchange rate up and led to quadruple increase in commodity prices in Nigeria.


Tinubu removed subsidy on electricity tariffs and introduced band A, band B, C billing system which led to increase in electricity bill by x4.



Tinubu is introducing new tax law that will force many struggling businesses to start paying huge tax from 2026.


Tinubu has increased customs import clearing duty more than 3 times and now price of Tokunbo cars and other imported products are x 4 in price.


Tinubu introduced new vehicle ownership style whereby every owner of vehicle in Nigeria now pay to FG every year to renew the ownership of their car. So every year you pay Tinubu to verify that your car is still your car not that you sold the car to a new owner.


Tinubu is now introducing house insurance which will cause annual rent in Nigeria to increase by x2 so that people paying NGN2 million per flat in a year will not pay NGN3.5million to NGN4million and Una say this man called Tinubu should not be impeached before 2027?



Nigerians continue playing na my tribes man, e go soon clear for una eyes shocked

Softmirror:
A very, very welcome development. This is great news. At last. The government has woken up. I knew it was only a matter of time.

FAKE NEWS PEDDLERS HOW MARKET?! BIGOTS UNA GO CRY! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😙

. Chairman federal bigot association you have spoken, weldone sir

I love what the government is doing to all of us. We go learn the hard way in this country until we learn to vote for competence over tribe

People need to be held accountable for what they post on social media.

The era when people go online and post whatever rubbish they like and think they can get away with it

Ahap. People supporting terrorism will have their accounts deleted.