Remove all non-consensual content within 24 hours, FG orders Twitter, Facebook, others

Within 24 hours of users posting non-consensual content that parades partial or full nudity, sexual acts, deep fake, or revenge porn, the Federal Government has issued a directive to social media interactive platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok to remove, disable, or block access to it.

The order was included in the newly issued Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries Code of Practice (online platforms).

According to the document, these online platforms have to “act expeditiously to remove, disable, or block access to non-consensual content that exposes a person’s private areas, full or partial nudity, sexual act, or revenge porn, where such content is targeted to harass, disrepute, or intimidate an individual.

“A platform must acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and take down the content within 24 hours.”

The Code of Practice also requires these platforms to remove any illegal content after receiving notification from a user or a government body.

Platforms were also encouraged to undertake due diligence in order to verify that no illegal content was posted to their platforms.

NITDA collaborated with the Nigerian Communications Commission and the National Broadcasting Commission to create the Code of Practice, which included input from platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok.

The government requests that each online platform have a national representative who would engage with Nigerian authorities, as well as that any platform with over 100,000 Nigerian users have an office in Nigeria, according to the Code of Practice.

Other requirements include registering as a legal organization with the Corporate Affairs Commission, meeting with tax duties, adhering to regulatory and legal requirements, and providing on-demand information about users, among others.

The Code of Practice is meant to protect the basic human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians residing in Nigeria ,and regulating interactions on the online platform., according to NITDA.