News Highlights:
- NITDA commended tech giants such as Google, X (formerly Twitter), Microsoft, and TikTok for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries.
- Foreign digital companies, including social media platforms operating in Nigeria, contributed over ₦2.55 in taxes during the first half of 2024, as reported by FIRS and NBS.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has praised global tech giants Google, X (formerly Twitter), Microsoft, and TikTok for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries.
This regulatory framework, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA, sets guidelines to promote online safety and tackle harmful content.
According to the 2023 Compliance Report, significant strides have been made by these platforms in enhancing user safety and managing content in line with the Code of Practice and their respective community guidelines.
Highlights from the report include 4,125,283 registered complaints; 65,853,581 pieces of removed harmful content; 379,433 cases of content re-uploaded following user appeals; and 12,099,633 accounts closed or deactivated.
NITDA through a release by Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director, Corporate Communications & Media Relations, lauded these efforts, noting their contribution to fostering a safer digital environment for Nigerians and residents alike.
Additionally, data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that foreign digital companies, including social media platforms operating in Nigeria, contributed over ₦2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in the first half of 2024.
This revenue surge underscores the impact of strong regulatory frameworks on compliance and economic growth in the digital sector.
While celebrating the achievements, NITDA emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation to address emerging challenges in the digital space.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening user safety, promoting digital literacy, and enhancing trust and transparency in the digital ecosystem.