Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads, and X, formerly Twitter, have been flagged for non-compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The platforms failed to submit their 2024 content moderation reports, a key requirement under the Code aimed at ensuring accountability and online safety for Nigerian users.
While Meta has complied with other regulatory requirements—such as incorporation in Nigeria, maintaining a physical presence, and paying taxes—X reportedly did not meet any of these obligations. The NITDA report highlights that X’s complete disregard for the Code, including failure to designate a local compliance officer, is particularly concerning and may attract sanctions under the NITDA Act.
The regulatory body expressed that Meta’s partial compliance still falls short of expectations, noting that its content moderation report did not use the standard template prescribed by NITDA. This omission limits the government’s ability to uniformly assess compliance across platforms. Although the report did not immediately announce sanctions, NITDA confirmed to Nairametrics that violations of the Code could lead to penalties, with the agency currently considering appropriate measures.
Other international tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and TikTok, were commended for fair compliance. The report revealed that these platforms collectively deactivated over 13.5 million accounts in 2024, and removed 58.9 million pieces of harmful content, while 420,439 items were reinstated following user appeals. This illustrates the level of accountability NITDA expects from all interactive platforms operating in Nigeria.
The Internet Code of Practice, first introduced in June 2022 by NITDA in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), seeks to protect Nigerian users from harmful online content. It mandates that platforms act against issues such as deepfakes, revenge porn, and child abuse material, and disclose user identities in legal investigations. Former Communications Minister Prof. Isa Pantami emphasized that the Code aims to prevent tech giants from wielding unchecked power in the country.
Source: Nairametrics