Google, Microsoft, X, and TikTok Remove 65 Million Pieces of Harmful Content in Nigeria – NITDA

Major tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, X, and TikTok, have taken down over 65 million pieces of content from their platforms in Nigeria following user complaints, as revealed in a report by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, announced in a statement on Tuesday. This data forms part of the 2023 compliance report on the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, which assesses these companies’ efforts to comply with Nigeria’s regulatory framework for online content management.

The Code, a joint initiative by NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), provides clear guidelines aimed at ensuring online safety and limiting the spread of harmful content across digital platforms.

The report shows that a total of 65,853,581 pieces of harmful content were removed from the platforms after being flagged by Nigerian users. In addition, 4,125,283 complaints were filed by Nigerian users, which led to the deactivation of over 12 million user accounts and the removal of the flagged content.

The report also highlights that 379,433 pieces of content were reinstated after successful user appeals, demonstrating that the platforms are responsive to concerns and provide channels for content review.

NITDA praised these companies for their compliance with the Code of Practice, which aims to foster a safer and more accountable digital environment for Nigerian users. The statement emphasized the significance of the 2023 compliance report in showcasing the platforms’ commitment to user safety and the importance of adhering to community guidelines.

Further insights from NITDA’s report revealed that foreign digital companies, including social media platforms, contributed over N2.55 trillion (about $1.5 billion) in taxes during the first half of 2024, underlining the increasing economic influence of the digital sector in Nigeria.

While acknowledging the progress made, NITDA called for ongoing collaboration between tech firms and regulatory bodies to tackle emerging challenges in digital safety, content moderation, and platform transparency.