Misinformation & Cyberbullying: FG Urged To Rein In Social Media Giants

Misinformation & Cyberbullying: FG Urged To Rein In Social Media Giants

A public strategy advocacy group, Gatefield, has called on the Federal Government to take immediate action against major tech companies, citing their failure to address widespread online harms affecting Nigerians..…..READ  MORE 

The appeal follows findings from the State of Online Harms in Nigeria study, conducted with support from global philanthropic organization Luminate. The report highlights growing concerns over misinformation, cyberbullying, and digital abuse, urging stricter regulatory measures.

Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, stated that a survey of over 500 Nigerians revealed significant failures by major social media platforms in moderating harmful content. She emphasized the need for comprehensive policies to ensure tech companies are held accountable, including:

• Stricter content moderation regulations
• Greater transparency in platform governance
• Severe penalties for non-compliance

The study revealed that 58% of Nigerian women and individuals aged 25–34 experience the highest levels of online harm. X (formerly Twitter) was identified as the most harmful platform, followed by Facebook and WhatsApp.

Despite 60% of Nigerians reporting harmful content, 31% claimed such content is never removed, reflecting a troubling lack of enforcement by tech companies.

Ewang further highlighted the disproportionate impact on women, with cyberbullying and harassment silencing female voices in digital spaces, affecting their participation in democratic processes.

The report revealed alarming statistics about the power of tech companies in shaping political narratives, with:

• 91% of respondents believing tech firms wield excessive influence over Nigerian democracy
• Fake news and misinformation identified as major threats to national security, governance, and public trust

Ewang warned that without stringent regulation, misinformation could destabilize Nigeria’s democratic framework.

Despite their large Nigerian user base, social media giants have not demonstrated genuine commitment to safeguarding digital spaces, raising concerns about their role in political instability and societal harm.

“These findings are not just numbers; they represent real people facing daily online abuse and misinformation,” Ewang stated. “Without urgent intervention, digital spaces will remain unsafe, deepening Nigeria’s social and political divides.”

The time for action is now.