According to draft regulations from the information technology development agency, online platforms such as Twitter (TWTR.N), Facebook (META.O), and Tiktok will be required to register and open offices in Nigeria, as well as appoint contact persons with the government.
According to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the code of practice for “interactive computer service platforms/internet intermediaries” was created to combat online abuse, such as disinformation and misinformation.
The regulations were developed with input from Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google (GOOGL.O), and TikTok, according to a statement from the agency’s spokesperson dated June 13.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with over 200 million people, is a big fan of the platforms.
According to draft regulations from the information technology development agency, online platforms such as Twitter (TWTR.N), Facebook (META.O), and Tiktok will be required to register and open offices in Nigeria, as well as appoint contact persons with the government.
The platforms, according to NIDTA, would be required to provide relevant information to users or authorised government agencies, including for the purposes of maintaining security and public order.
They would also be required to submit annual reports to NITDA detailing the number of registered users in Nigeria, the number of complaints received, and content removed as a result of misinformation and disinformation.
Nigeria lifted a ban on Twitter earlier this year, citing the company’s agreement to open a local office and other agreements with authorities.
