The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that foreign digital companies like Google, Microsoft, TikTok, and others paid N2.55 trillion (about $1.5 billion) in taxes in the first half of 2024.
This information was shared in a statement by NITDA’s spokesperson, Mrs. Hadiza Umar, using data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
NITDA praised companies such as Google, Microsoft, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok for following the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries.
This Code sets rules to promote online safety and manage harmful content.
The agency highlighted that the tax payments from these companies show how government regulations are helping both safety and revenue growth.
“This increase in tax revenue shows the importance of strong rules that encourage companies to follow the law and support the digital economy,” NITDA said.
How Companies Are Handling Content
NITDA also gave an update on how digital companies are managing harmful content and keeping users safe. In 2023, these companies:
- Handled over 4.1 million user complaints.
- Removed 65.8 million harmful posts.
- Restored 379,433 posts after appeals by users.
- Closed or deactivated 12.09 million accounts.
While progress is being made, NITDA said more work is needed to make the internet safer and more responsible.
The Code of Practice, introduced in June 2022, sets rules for social media platforms and online blogs to ensure they act responsibly. Key rules include:
- Removing harmful content when notified by users or the government.
- Quickly taking down non-consensual content, like explicit photos or videos, meant to harass or harm others.
- Sharing the identity of content creators when ordered by a court, especially in cases involving public safety, national security, or serious crimes like child abuse.
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