NITDA Flags TikTok, X Over Non-Compliance With Tax Filing in Nigeria

• NITDA has raised concerns over TikTok and X for failing to meet Nigeria’s tax filing requirements, unlike compliant platforms like Google
• The agency emphasizes the importance of adhering to the regulatory framework to enhance user safety and accountability in digital spaces

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has raised concerns over TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) for failing to meet Nigeria’s tax filing requirements.

According to a report titled “Analysis of Compliance with Laws and Misinformation Management by Social Media Platforms in Nigeria,” obtained by PRNigeria, the platforms are yet to comply with the regulatory framework.

In contrast, platforms like Google, LinkedIn, and Meta have fulfilled their tax obligations under Nigeria’s “Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries (CoP for ICSP/II).”

The report highlights the importance of this Code, introduced in September 2022 by NITDA in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). It aims to address online harm, ensure accountability, and foster a safer digital space.

NITDA stressed the need for compliance, urging platforms to prioritize adherence to the Code to build trust, enhance user safety, and prevent misuse of digital tools.

Key Compliance Requirements:

• Annual Reports: Part II, Section 10 mandates Large Service Platforms (LSPs) to submit annual compliance reports to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Physical Offices: Platforms must establish offices in Nigeria and appoint liaison officers for government communication.
• Content Moderation: Platforms must actively engage certified fact-checkers to combat harmful content.

The report also noted significant efforts by LSPs in moderating harmful content such as fake accounts, hate speech, and misinformation.

Major platforms have registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and taken action to remove harmful content and close non-compliant accounts.

Account Closures and Content Removal Statistics:

• Accounts Closed in Nigeria (2023):
  • Google: 9,610,054
  • LinkedIn: 691,596
  • TikTok: 599,776
  • X: 1,198,205
• Posts Deleted for Violations:
  • Google: 59,670,247
  • LinkedIn: 237,837
  • TikTok: 4,578,858
  • X: 168,500