Major social media platforms Meta (owners of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads) and X (owned by Elon Musk) are at risk of sanctions in Nigeria after failing to fully comply with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Meta and X Fail Compliance Requirements
According to NITDA’s 2024 Compliance Report, both Meta and X did not submit their annual content moderation reports as required by the Code.
- Meta: Complied with some requirements, including incorporation in Nigeria, physical presence, and tax filings, but failed to submit its content moderation report using the prescribed NITDA template.
- X (formerly Twitter): Failed to comply with all requirements, including content moderation reporting, incorporation in Nigeria, provision of a local office, and appointment of a compliance officer.
In contrast, other platforms such as LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, and TikTok achieved fair compliance, with notable enforcement actions in 2024.
NITDA Raises Concerns
In its report, NITDA criticised the platforms’ lack of accountability and transparency, stating:
“Of particular concern is Meta’s failure to submit its content moderation report using the template prescribed by NITDA, which undermines comparability and limits the ability to assess compliance uniformly. Most concerning is the complete lack of compliance by X.”
The agency confirmed that non-compliance constitutes a violation of the NITDA Act and attracts sanctions. While the report did not specify penalties, NITDA said it is weighing options to determine appropriate sanctions.
Compliance by Other Platforms
The 2024 reports submitted by Google, Microsoft, and TikTok revealed:
- 13.5 million accounts shut down or deactivated in 2024.
- 58.9 million harmful content items removed.
- 420,439 appeals leading to reinstated or re-uploaded content.
These actions highlight a growing commitment by some global platforms to align with Nigeria’s regulatory requirements.
Background: Nigeria’s Internet Code of Practice
The Internet Code of Practice, first announced in June 2022, was jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA.
The Code requires platforms to:
- Tackle harmful content such as deepfakes, revenge porn, and child sexual abuse material.
- Submit annual compliance and content moderation reports.
- Disclose user identities in specific legal and security cases.
- Maintain a physical presence and compliance officers in Nigeria.
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, emphasised that the framework was designed to prevent big tech companies from becoming “bigger than the government” while ensuring digital accountability.
What’s Next for Meta and X in Nigeria?
While sanctions are yet to be determined, Meta’s partial compliance and X’s total non-compliance put both companies under regulatory scrutiny. NITDA is expected to make a decision in the coming months, which could have major implications for social media regulation and online safety in Nigeria.
