About 13,597,057 social media accounts have closed down for offensive content and violations of the code of practice in Nigeria by users of social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, formerly known as Twitter.

The government action 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 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, in a report titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ efforts on Online Harm Protection”, the government said a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents were taken down from various platforms.

Hajiya Umar, who thanked 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, adding that 420,439 contents were removed and re-uploaded following appeals by users.

According to her, “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.

“While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.