Google, Microsoft, TikTok Shut Down 13.5 Million Accounts in Nigeria

Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has revealed that major technology firms—Google, Microsoft, and TikTok—deactivated more than 13.5 million user accounts across the country in 2024.

The move was part of their compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, a regulatory framework jointly developed by NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Broadcasting Commission.

The Code compels large tech companies to register locally, adhere to Nigerian laws, pay taxes, and adopt safety measures to shield users from harmful content and online abuse.

According to NITDA’s latest compliance report, Nigerians filed over 754,000 complaints last year. As a result, nearly 59 million pieces of content deemed harmful were taken down. However, more than 420,000 of those items were reinstated after successful appeals, while over 13.5 million accounts were permanently disabled for violating policies.

NITDA’s spokesperson, Hadiza Umar, described the submission of the reports as an important step in building a safer online environment. She noted that the figures highlight the platforms’ commitment to user protection and align with both the Code of Practice and their internal community standards.

The agency applauded the companies for their transparency, stressing that regular disclosures foster accountability and strengthen digital governance in Nigeria.

In recent years, the federal government has tightened oversight of online platforms amid growing concerns about misinformation, cyberbullying, scams, and exploitation. Introduced in 2022, the Code of Practice was designed to balance innovation with user protection.

NITDA emphasized that safeguarding Nigerians online will require sustained collaboration between regulators, industry players, and civil society to ensure the digital ecosystem remains secure, inclusive, and trustworthy.