Crackdown as Tinubu's Govt Shuts Down Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts
- The federal government said more than 13 million social media accounts have been shut down for violating the code of practice on offensive content
- The accounts were removed from platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter
- Details of the government’s action are contained in a ‘Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report’
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria.
FCT, Abuja - In a major move to sanitise social media, the President Bola Tinubu-led government has shut down about 13,597,057 social media accounts.
The handles were removed for offensive content and violations of the code of practice by users of social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), The Cable noted.
Source: Facebook
As reported by The Nigerian Tribune, this move was contained in a Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted to the government by promoters of interactive computer service platforms such as Microsoft, Google, and TikTok, among others.
NITDA makes commendation amid crackdown
Despite the shutdown, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) commended the platforms for their cooperation and adherence to Nigeria’s regulations, which were developed in collaboration with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Highlights of the 2024 Compliance Report include: Registered complaints: 754,629, Content removed: 58,909,112, Content reuploaded after appeal: 420,439, Accounts shut down/deactivated: 13,597,057
NITDA stated that the figures demonstrate the platforms’ efforts to protect users and remove harmful content in line with national laws. The agency reiterated that all online platforms operating in Nigeria must be locally registered, comply with tax requirements, and adhere to the Code of Practice.
Furthermore, NITDA noted that it would continue to work with industry stakeholders, civil society, and regulators to promote user safety, digital literacy, and transparency across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Source: Getty Images
Legit.ng reports that many Nigerians actively use social media. In January 2024, over 36.75 million Nigerians were reported to be using social media, according to Businessday. This number represents a significant portion of the population and is likely to continue growing due to increased internet access and the affordability of smartphones.
Read more on Bola Tinubu's government:
- Tinubu approves 4 new appointments
- 2027 election: Cleric releases prophecy, declares loss for Tinubu on 1 condition, video goes viral
Tinubu's warning to content creators
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu called on young Nigerians active in the digital media space to harness their platforms as instruments of national progress, urging them to verify every information before amplifying it.
Tinubu tasked them to build businesses that create employment, produce content that reflects unifying values, and serve as positive catalysts for societal development, emphasising the critical importance of verifying information before amplifying it.
Speaking at the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit, with the theme 'Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development,' President Tinubu urged youths to prioritise their sense of responsibility.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
