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The Digest:

Three major technology platforms removed over 28 million Nigerian accounts linked to fraud, impersonation, and harmful content in the past year, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency. NITDA Director-General Kashifu Abdullahi revealed the staggering figures while emphasizing the need to balance content regulation with protecting digital rights.

Key Points:
  • Google deactivated 9.68 million Nigerian accounts for fraud and harmful content
  • LinkedIn removed nearly 16 million accounts, mainly for impersonation
  • TikTok also conducted mass account removals during the same period
  • Over 58.9 million pieces of content were removed across platforms
  • 420,000 posts were reinstated after appeals or internal reviews
  • Government collaborating with big tech to curb online harms
  • Emphasis on clear take-down processes to prevent abuse of power
As Nigeria's digital landscape expands, this massive account purge reveals the delicate tightrope walk between cleaning the digital ecosystem and preserving the fundamental right to expression in an increasingly connected society.

Sources: The Punch, NITDA