The NITDA made this statement in a report titled “Analysis of Compliance with Laws and Misinformation Management by Social Media Platforms in Nigeria.”
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has accused TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) of failing to meet tax filing requirements, according to a recent report titled “Analysis of Compliance with Laws and Misinformation Management by Social Media Platforms in Nigeria.”
In the report, NITDA emphasized its commitment to creating a transparent and digitally responsible ecosystem, highlighting the importance of compliance with the country’s regulatory framework. While TikTok and X were found lacking in tax compliance, other platforms such as Google, LinkedIn, and Meta were noted for meeting their tax obligations in accordance with the “Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries (CoP for ICSP/II).”
NITDA called on companies to prioritize adherence to these standards, stressing that compliance is vital for fostering trust, safeguarding users, and preventing the abuse of digital platforms. The Code of Practice, introduced in 2022 by NITDA in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), aims to mitigate online harm, encourage accountability, and establish a safer digital environment.
The Code requires large service platforms (LSPs) to submit annual compliance reports to NITDA, set up physical offices, appoint liaison officers, and hire certified fact-checkers. Major LSPs, including Google, LinkedIn, and Meta, have already registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
Additionally, the report highlighted the efforts of LSPs in moderating content, particularly in addressing issues such as fake accounts, child pornography, hate speech, and misinformation. By 2023, significant numbers of accounts were closed for violating the Code and community rules: 9.6 million on Google, 691,596 on LinkedIn, 599,776 on TikTok, and 1.2 million on X. These platforms also removed millions of posts violating their guidelines: 59.7 million on Google, 237,837 on LinkedIn, 4.6 million on TikTok, and 168,500 on X.
Source: Sahara Reporters