TechPression

Tag: TikTok

  • Nigeria hails Google, Microsoft, TikTok, X for N2.55 trillion tax contributions in H1 2024

    Nigeria hails Google, Microsoft, TikTok, X for N2.55 trillion tax contributions in H1 2024

    Google, Microsoft, TikTok, X and other international digital businesses that operate in Nigeria paid a total of N2.55 trillion ($1.5 billion) in taxes during the first half of this year.

    This was disclosed in a statement signed by Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Tuesday and, jointly released with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    The statement is based on the information from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    According to NITDA, government revenue has increased due to payment of taxes by these tech companies.

    Read also: Google, Microsoft, X, TikTok remove 65 million content posts, deactivate 12 million accounts in Nigeria: NITDA

    NITDA applaud the tech companies 

    For their adherence to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, Google, Microsoft, X, and TikTok received praise from the development agency.

    The Code provided explicit recommendations for regulating dangerous content and promoting online safety.

    “Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria, contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024.”

    “This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy,” NITDA stated.

    NITDA acknowledged the improvement but called for more cooperation between tech companies and authorities to tackle new digital issues, especially in the areas of user safety, transparency, and content moderation.

  • Google, Microsoft, X, TikTok remove 65 million content posts, deactivate 12 million accounts in Nigeria: NITDA

    Google, Microsoft, X, TikTok remove 65 million content posts, deactivate 12 million accounts in Nigeria: NITDA

    A report by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), on Tuesday disclosed that major digital companies, including Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok, have taken down over 65 million content posts from their platforms in Nigeria after receiving complaints from users.

    Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations at NITDA made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday.

    The report, included in the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries 2023 compliance report, demonstrates the companies’ attempts to comply with Nigeria’s rules and regulations for controlling specific online content.

    Read also: Instagram influencer and YouTuber Nons Miraj debuts ‘Hunt Game’ dating app

    The code, which was jointly released by the National Broadcasting Commission, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and NITDA, lays out precise rules for encouraging online safety and preventing the dissemination of dangerous content on digital platforms.

    Data released by NITDA demonstrates that, overall, 65,853,581 content posts were removed from the four platforms following user flags.

    Additionally, 4,125,283 complaints about hazardous information were filed by Nigerian users, which resulted in the removal of offending material and the termination of almost 12 million user accounts.

    Following successful user appeals, an additional 379,433 pieces of content were re-uploaded, demonstrating that the platforms are attentive to user concerns and offer channels for content review.

    NITDA commend Microsoft, Google, X and TikTok for adhering to Nigeria’s Code of Practice 

    NITDA praised the platforms for following the Code of Practice, which attempts to make Nigerians’ online experiences safer and more responsible in light of the growing significance of digital safety.

    Read also: UK firms slam Microsoft with £1 billion suit over alleged anti-competitive cloud practices

    It stated, “The National Information Technology Development Agency has commended Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok for their compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries. The Code, which was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Broadcasting Commission, and NITDA, outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.”

    It continued, “The 2023 compliance report provides valuable insight into the platform’s efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines. The highlight of the overall statistics across all the platforms includes the following: 4,125,283 registered complaints; and 65,853,581 content takedowns.”

    “379,433 removed and re-uploaded content following an appeal by users; 12,099,633 closed and deactivated accounts,” it added.

  • TikTok bans under-16 users from using beauty filters to combat low self-esteem

    TikTok bans under-16 users from using beauty filters to combat low self-esteem

    TikTok has announced new restrictions on the use of beauty filters for teenage users in an effort to promote a safe digital space. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about the impact of digital editing tools on young people’s self-esteem and body image.

    The new policy will limit the availability of beauty filters for users aged 16 and under, requiring them to opt-in to access these features.

    Read also: NITDA, TikTok push for online safety and digital literacy in Nigeria with “Safer Together” campaign

    TikTok is addressing mental health concerns

    Research has shown that exposure to heavily edited images can negatively affect teenagers’ self-perception. By restricting access to beauty filters, TikTok aims to reduce the pressure on young users to conform to idealised beauty standards.

    This initiative is particularly relevant in Africa, where social media usage among youths is rapidly increasing. As more teenagers engage with platforms like TikTok, it becomes crucial to ensure that their online experiences support their mental well-being.

    TikTok’s new policy also aligns with similar efforts by other social media companies. Platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat have implemented measures to promote authenticity and discourage harmful comparisons among users. By taking proactive steps, TikTok hopes to lead the conversation around healthy online interactions.

    Read also: TikTok deletes 12 million videos across Africa, enforces stricter age rules

    The role of parents and guardians

    With the introduction of these restrictions, TikTok encourages parents and guardians to engage in conversations with their teens about social media usage. Educating young users about the potential impacts of beauty filters can empower them to make informed choices regarding their online presence. TikTok also plans to provide resources for families to help navigate discussions about body image and self-esteem.

    TikTok’s implementation of new restrictions on beauty filters for teens marks a significant step toward promoting mental health and well-being among young users. 

    By limiting access to these features, the platform aims to foster a more authentic online environment that prioritises self-acceptance over unrealistic beauty standards. 

    As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of beauty, initiatives like this are essential in supporting the mental health of today’s youth.

  • NITDA, TikTok push for online safety and digital literacy in Nigeria with “Safer Together” campaign

    NITDA, TikTok push for online safety and digital literacy in Nigeria with “Safer Together” campaign

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has collaborated with TikTok to launch “Safer Together” campaign, as a demonstration of its commitment to advancing the online safety of Nigerians.

    Speaking at Tiktok Online Safety and Digital Awareness Program in Abuja on Thursday, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Abdullahi stressed the significance of establishing a safe and welcoming digital environment.

    The event, held in partnership with NITDA and Data Science Nigeria, aims to bolster the initiative’s influence in Abuja, Lagos, and other states.

    Read  also: DSN partners NITDA, TikTok to promote safety for kids

    DG Abdullahi, represented by Ahmed Tambuwa, acting Director, Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, emphasised that Nigeria is a leader in the continent’s digital revolution because it has one of Africa’s largest tech ecosystems, a growing number of digital startups, and a population that is becoming more connected.

    “As we delve into the intersection of Nigeria’s evolving technological landscape and the paramount importance of online safety and digital well-being, Nigeria is at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation with one of the continent’s largest tech ecosystems, burgeoning digital startups, and an increasingly connected population,” he said on Thursday.

    “Our country is experiencing a digital revolution that promises to reshape every facet of our society,” he noted.

    Government efforts despite drawbacks 

    Widespread connectivity has been made possible by government programs like the Nigerian National Broadband Plan and the development of digital infrastructure.

    Mr Tambuwa admitted that Nigeria’s digital growth came with challenges that include false information, cyberbullying, and online exploitation.

    NITDA implemented a regulatory intelligence structure that places a premium on awareness, intelligence, and dynamism to allay these worries. The framework aims to promote diversity and creativity while balancing the hazards connected to digital technologies.

    He noted that TikTok’s Safer Together campaign, which aims to educate parents, educators, and other stakeholders about digital safety, supports NITDA’s efforts.

    TikTok’s proactive approach to user safety, especially with features like screen time monitoring and anti-bullying tools, was praised by the DG.

    The DG added, “Achieving digital wellness requires a multi-stakeholder approach, involving government, private sector players like TikTok, educators, parents, and civil society.

    “Together, we must expand digital literacy, so we must equip our citizens to be digitally literate. For us at NITDA, we have a target to ensure that 70 per cent of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2027.

    “This will greatly help to achieve our objectives of transforming Nigeria into a digital economy, without a digitally literate population, that cannot be achieved. Secondly, to enhance regulatory collaboration. And thirdly, to empower the youth.”

    He urged all parties involved to support the Safer Together campaign in his closing remarks, saying that the combined efforts of all participants today would influence the digital lives of millions of Nigerians.

    Read also: AfriTECH 4.0: Blockchain and AI key to Africa’s digital future, says NITDA DG

    TikTok calls for concerted efforts to promote online safety 

    Tiktok’s Head of Public Policy/Government Relations West Africa, Tokunbo Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of teamwork in establishing a more secure online environment.

    Ibrahim clarified that TikTok’s overarching goal of encouraging creativity and joy in a safe online space is reflected in the Safer Together campaign.

    “Safer Together really means working together,” Ibrahim said. “The public, TikTok, the government—everyone has a role to play in keeping the internet safe. One party alone cannot achieve this goal.”

    Ibrahim urged all stakeholders to support the project, noting that TikTok was dedicated to encouraging safety, trust, and responsible digital interaction.

  • DSN partners NITDA, TikTok to promote safety for kids

    DSN partners NITDA, TikTok to promote safety for kids

    Data Science Nigeria (DSN) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and TikTok will hold a one-day physical workshop with parents, guardians and educators at the D’podium International Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos on November 19 and Barcelona Hotels International, Wuse 2, FCT, Abuja on November 21.

    The workshop aims to increase the participants’ knowledge of digital wellness, online safety, and TikTok’s security measures for young users, particularly minors.

    The program is designed to equip them with the practical knowledge and resources they need to navigate and support a safe online environment for their kids.

    Read also: Data Scientists Network to train teachers on data analysis

    The extensive workshop will cover crucial subjects such as disinformation, cyberbullying, privacy, and digital citizenship.

    TikTok crackdown on under-age users 

    TikTok’s Community Guidelines Enforcement Report published in September, showed 57,262 Kenyan accounts and 137,663 South African accounts that were suspected to belong to users under the age of 13 were banned.

    Over 20.2 million accounts were deleted worldwide for allegedly being used by minors.

    Enforcing age restrictions became a top priority during the cleanup, to douse concerns regarding the safety of young users on the video-sharing app.

    This action demonstrates TikTok’s continued dedication to maintaining a secure environment in accordance with the company regulations, particularly for younger users.

    In recent months, TikTok has improved its privacy safeguards, especially to comply with international regulations protecting children’s privacy.

    Read also: Snapchat allows parents to track teens with new location-sharing feature

    Incentives to attend the event 

    To encourage massive participation, DSN has offered incentives to the first one hundred people to register and attend the event.

    “Join us to learn how to protect and guide the younger generation in today’s digital age.

    “Special Offer: Be among the first 100 participants to register and attend the event to receive a travel grant within the state and an airtime voucher!” it stated on its registration portal.

    The registration portal can be accessed through the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUdN2Z7wgnYJlVJC4Qoz6nb614HlysR4DW7k2Btlzx50QJ9w/viewform

  • TikTok deletes 12 million videos across Africa, enforces stricter age rules

    TikTok deletes 12 million videos across Africa, enforces stricter age rules

    TikTok on Wednesday announced the deletion of 360,000 videos in Kenya, making it the tenth African nation to experience a crackdown as the video-sharing app adopts stricter measures to enforce guidelines. This brings the total videos deleted across 10 African countries to over 12 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    The recent media report of TikTok deleting over 360,000 videos in Kenya makes the country the tenth African country to experience the clampdown, bringing to total of over 12 million videos deleted by TikTok from 10 African countries in the second quarter of 2024 due to its rules violation.

    On Thursday, Techpression reported that TikTok had banned approximately 60,000 Kenyan accounts in the same period, with 57,262 accounts suspended because the users were suspected of being under the age of 13, in the second quarter of 2024 due to violations of its Community Guidelines.

    Read also: TikTok cracks down on Kenyan content, removes 360,000 videos

    Enforcing age restrictions became a top concern during the cleanup, to douse concerns regarding the safety of young users on the video-sharing app.

    95 percent of illegal videos were taken down within 24 hours of their uploading, and 99.1 percent were deleted before users reported them.

    Here is the breakdown of the total number of videos deleted by TikTok from the African countries: Egypt is at the top of the list with 2,754,574 videos deleted, followed by Nigeria (2,137,687), Algeria (1,837,202), Somalia (1,380,154), Libya (1,149,855), Ethiopia (702,622), Sudan (665,456), Morocco (645,560), and South Africa (614,406).

    Deleting violating videos record remarkable success with the use of AI

    TikTok’s Q2 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report details the cleanup effort, which highlights the company’s increasing use of AI to monitor content, particularly those that violate stipulated rules.

    At least, 144 million of the 178 million videos were deleted globally in June 2024 through automated processes.

    The platform’s proactive detection rate is arguably its most noteworthy feature. Due to this technological development, TikTok’s global proactive detection rate has increased to a record-breaking 98.2 percent.

    Globally, the company’s AI-powered strategy has produced remarkable outcomes; automated systems currently remove 80 percent of videos, a significant rise from 62 percent a year ago.

    “With over a billion people and millions of pieces of content posted to our platform every day, we continue to prioritise and enhance TikTok’s automated moderation technology as such technology enables faster and consistent removal of content that violates our rules,” TikTok stated in its report.

    Read also: TikTok fires intern for AI sabotage

    TikTok global legal battle

    These changes occur at a critical moment for TikTok, as the app is under scrutiny in other countries, including the U.S.

    US authorities have voiced concerns about data security and possible surveillance in the company’s ongoing legal dispute over its Chinese ownership, which both TikTok and Chinese authorities vehemently refute.

    In order to avoid the app being banned in the US, ByteDance, the platform’s owner, has until January to sell TikTok’s U.S. assets.

  • TikTok cracks down on Kenyan content, removes 360,000 videos

    TikTok cracks down on Kenyan content, removes 360,000 videos

    TikTok, a short-form video broadcasting platform, has announced that it has banned over 360,000 videos in Kenya over non-compliance with its community guidelines.

    TikTok’s swift action through automated systems

    TikTok’s quarterly Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, released Wednesday, showed 60,465 global account bans. The platform continues to enforce age restrictions, as 57,262 accounts were reported as potential under-13 accounts.

    Read also: Top countries with highest TikTok users in Africa

    As a measure of TikTok’s proactive approach to filtering offensive or dangerous content before it reaches viewers, the videos removed in Kenya account for 0.3 percent of all content uploaded during the reporting period. 95 percent of the infringing films were taken down within 24 hours of being flagged, and 99.1 percent were taken down before anyone even reported them.

    This fantastic statistic demonstrates how TikTok is improving at identifying and removing harmful content using automated techniques. 

    In June 2024, TikTok erased 178 million videos worldwide. Automatically, 144 million were eliminated. Thanks to technology, the platform can detect risks more quickly and precisely, shielding human moderators from potentially dangerous content.

    Addressing government concerns: TikTok’s commitment to online safety in Kenya

    The upgrade follows allegations by the Kenyan government that TikTok promotes the dissemination of false information, permits fraud, and distributes explicit sexual content.

    Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s director of government and public policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, who spoke before parliament earlier this year, said the platform’s user rules and features are intended to promote a safe and positive community.

    Read also: TikTok fires intern for AI sabotage

    “TikTok is an entertaining and joyful place because of the work we put into keeping the platform safe, including investing more than $2bn in our Trust and Safety efforts this year, globally,” Mgwili-Sibanda told parliament.

    In response to concerns raised by the Kenyan government, Mgwili-Sibanda said TikTok will continue to hold capacity-building workshops for policymakers and regulatory agencies on online safety, data privacy, and content moderation.

    ‘’We value the opportunity to contribute to keeping our Kenyan community safe on our platform and look forward to collaborating more closely with all our stakeholders in Kenya, including government, the media, civil society, parents, teachers, guardians and our wider community itself,’’ he said.

  • Mauritius lifts pre-election social media ban after global outcry

    Mauritius lifts pre-election social media ban after global outcry

    Mauritius authorities on Saturday walked back an earlier directive to restrict access to all social media platforms until after the nation’s general elections scheduled for November 10.

    Backlash greeted the news of a social media ban announced by the Mauritius government on Friday, days after a TikTok account leaked classified government data and recordings in a wiretapping scandal.

    Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth believed shutting down social media would curtail the spread of the leaked files but opposition said the ban was only a ploy to monitor and prevent unflattering information about the present government from getting out.

    “A crisis committee is currently meeting to contain the existing risks as soon as possible,” the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement.

    Read also: How African Gen-Zs are utilising social media to mobilise for social change

    Telecom, EMTEL to implement the social media ban directive

    One of the three telecom providers in the nation, EMTEL, said that it was carrying out the directive and issued a warning that “the user experience will be progressively disrupted.”

    Additionally, the inaccessibility of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X was confirmed by the Netblocks Internet Observatory.

    Mauritius opposition kicks against the social media ban

    The opposition in Mauritius said that the prohibition was a ploy to prevent a humiliating loss in the election scheduled for November 10, as the prime minister planned to maintain his party’s legislative majority and prolong his reign.

    “The outgoing government knows quite well that it’s heading towards a defeat. As such it is using all means to stay in power,” stated Navin Ramgoolam, the leader of the Alliance for Change party and Jugnauth’s principal opponent.

    Another coalition member said that the opposition was prepared to take political action and was debating possible legal actions in an effort to stop the Militant Socialist Movement from being re-elected.

    Mauritius bows to pressure

    Social media access was meant to be suspended in Mauritius until November 11, a day after the country’s next general election, in line with the government’s directive.

    But the ban sparked public outcry, with opposition and foreign agencies decrying the restriction as a means to gag the citizens.

    The Mauritius government folded under pressure and on Saturday lifted the ban, which lasted for only 24 hours.

    The Information and Communications Authority announced that the ban was reversed following “consultation with competent authorities.”

    Read also: #FreeTheCitizens: How Ghanaian youth are using social media to fight illegal mining and bad governance

    The wiretapping scandal leading to the social media ban

    After almost 20 discussions involving prominent politicians, law enforcement agents, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members were exposed on social media, primarily on TikTok, since mid-October, an incident that triggered restrictions on social media on Friday.

    In one of the leaked conversations, a police commissioner asked a forensic expert to change the records of a detainee who died in police custody. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the matter.

    Private conversations that involved British High Commissioner Charlotte Pierre were also leaked by the TikTok account.

    Former Mauritius Telecom CEO, others arrested in connection to the wiretapping scandal 

    Sherry Singh, the former CEO of Mauritius Telecom, and three other suspects were taken into custody on Friday as part of a probe into the leaks, AFP said citing anonymous police sources.

    The government did not immediately disclose the specific charges they were up against. Political analyst Jocelyn Chan Low, who is based in Mauritius, told Reuters that the wiretapping controversy would affect the poll’s result.

    According to him, “There is a public outcry on many alleged scandals which are still unsolved and which have been the focus of these leaks.”

  • TikTok fires intern for AI sabotage

    TikTok fires intern for AI sabotage

    ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, on Saturday fired an intern for “maliciously interfering” with AI model training, according to a statement issued by the Chinese app.

    The company dismissed rumours regarding the degree of damage the unidentified person caused, stating that the social media reports contained “some exaggerations and inaccuracies.”

    ByteDance issued a statement regarding the intern’s dismissal on Toutiao on Saturday, clarifying that the company was only exposed to minimal harm.

    The Doubao ChatGPT-like generative artificial intelligence model developed by the Chinese technology giant is the country’s most famous AI chatbot.

    Read also: Facebook aims to retain youth with enhanced social experience

    Incident Overview

    Toutiao, also known as Jinri Toutiao, is a platform that provides Chinese news and information. It is a core product of the firm ByteDance, which has its headquarters in China.  

    “The individual was an intern with the [advertising] technology team and has no experience with the AI Lab,” ByteDance posted on Toutiao. “Their social media profile and some media reports contain inaccuracies.”

    According to the corporation, the intern’s actions did not impact the company’s commercial online operations, which included its massive language artificial intelligence models.

    ByteDance denied rumours that the breach damaged an AI training system of thousands of powerful graphics processing units (GPUs), which cost more than $10 million.

    ByteDance said it fired the person in August and had since notified the intern’s institution and relevant industry associations.

    Read also: Top countries with highest TikTok users in Africa

    ByteDance runs TikTok and its Chinese equivalent, Douyin, two of the world’s most popular social media apps.

    As with many of its competitors in China and other nations, the social media giant was investing heavily in artificial intelligence.

    In addition to powering its Doubao chatbot, the company also employs the technology to power a wide variety of other apps, one of which is a text-to-video tool known as Jimeng.

    ByteDance has mitigated immediate worries about this incident, but it underscores IT sector issues with employee control and project security. In IT workplaces, cultivating a culture of responsibility and attention can help sustain trust and integrity as AI technology becomes more integrated into company operations.

  • Facebook aims to retain youth with enhanced social experience

    Facebook aims to retain youth with enhanced social experience

    Facebook, a social media pioneer, is preferred by older generations, while younger users choose Instagram and TikTok for photo and video sharing. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, wants to change this idea.

    Meta’s head of Facebook, Tom Alison, said the platform’s original goal was to help people connect with family and friends. However, its future goal is to help people make new connections and grow their networks, which is more in line with how younger people now use the internet.

    Alison said in an interview, “We see young adults go on Facebook when they are going through a change in their lives.” Marketplace helps them set up their new homes when they move to a new city. They’ll join parenting groups when they have offspring.

    Read also: Nigeria generates #2.55 trillion in taxes from Google, Facebook, Netflix, others in 6 months

    New Tabs Coming to Facebook: Local and Explore

    Facebook showed off two new tabs at the event. They are called Local and Explore and are being tested in some towns and markets. The Local tab collects information about events, neighbourhood groups, and items for sale in the area. The Explore tab, on the other hand, suggests content based on the user’s interests.

    Facebook needs to attract young people because it has a lot of competition. One hundred fifty million people in the U.S. use TikTok, a famous app for short videos, mostly young people (Gen Z). Because of this, Meta made Reels in 2021 to fight.

    Facebook said that young people spend 60% of their time watching videos on the site, and more than half use Reels daily. A new video tab that combines short-form, live, and longer films will also be available in the next few weeks.

    Read also: Vodacom South Africa launches 4G smartphone at lower cost to replace 2G and 3G

    According to the company, Facebook’s dating feature has grown significantly since it launched in 2019. The feature lets users look at and connect with suggested profiles. The number of conversations started on the app has increased 24% year over year among young adults in the U.S. and Canada.

    As Facebook navigates a competitive landscape dominated by platforms like TikTok and Instagram, it’s clear that the social media giant is determined to reclaim its relevance among younger generations.

    By introducing new features like Local and Explore, enhancing its video capabilities, and prioritizing personalized experiences, Facebook aims to create a more engaging and dynamic platform that resonates with today’s youth’s evolving needs and preferences.

    Whether these efforts will be enough to reverse the trend remains to be seen, but Facebook’s renewed focus on youth engagement is a significant step in the right direction.