FG Set To Impose Twitter Terms On WhatsApp, Facebook And Other Social Media Platforms

The Federal Government has revealed plans to impose the same conditions given to Twitter on all other social media platforms accessible in the country.

Trixx NG learnt that part of the terms reached between the government and the microblogging platform is to immediately enrol Nigerians in its Law Enforcement portals and Partners Support Portal.

The law enforcement portal will provide rooms for the Nigerian law enforcement agencies to escalate reports on contents that violate the code of conduct or the national laws.

Speaking today at a meeting in Cairo with his counterpart, Egypt Minister of Communication and Information, Dr Amir Talaat, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said the government will ensure Twitter rules will apply to all other social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook or any other.

Mohammed maintained that the government was amending the National Broadcasting Act and Broadcasting Code to ensure that all online platforms operate within the same rules.

“Whatever applies to Twitter will apply to all other social media platforms, be it WhatsApp, Facebook or any other,” he said

According to the Minister, Twitter was earlier suspended in Nigeria because it had become the platform of choice for those who wanted to destabilize Nigeria, create disunity and heat the polity.

He said though citizens had expressed disappointment with the government’s decision, it was certain that they (the government) were doing the right thing.

According to Mohammed, the aim of the restriction was achieved in the end.

Highlighting the Twitter terms, the minister said the microblogging company has agreed to appoint a designated country representative within one month of lifting its suspension while its global policy team would also be available to engage directly with the government.

The minister said twitter agreed to meet all regulatory demands, including the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Nigeria Communication Commission laws and rules and National Broadcasting Commission Code.

“Twitter has agreed to comply with all payable taxes as they are operating under the Nigerian laws and this they agreed to do within one week of restoring their operations.

“Twitter agreed to immediately work with the Federal Government in the area of code of conduct which is in line with global best practices.

“Twitter agreed to immediately enrol Nigerians in its Law Enforcement portals and Partners Support Portal.

“The law enforcement portal will provide dedicated channels for the Nigerian law enforcement agencies to escalate reports on contents that violate the code of conduct or the national laws.

“Similarly, the partner support portal provides a direct channel for the government to engage Twitter staff to manage prohibited contents,” he added.