X, the social media service formerly called Twitter, has emerged as the primary platform for online harm in Nigeria, with 34% of users reporting negative experiences such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and harassment, according to a new study.
The report, titled “The State of Online Harms in Nigeria” that has identified X owned by US tech billionaire, Elon Musk, was released at the weekend by Ms. Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, during a press briefing in Abuja.
The report, conducted by Gatefield with support from Luminate, highlights the increasing risks associated with social media use in Nigeria, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and young people.
“These findings,” she says, “are not just statistics; they represent real people facing online abuse, misinformation, and harassment every day. Tech platforms must do more to protect users, and policymakers need to step in where platforms fail.”
Gatefield: X ranked as worst offender followed by Facebook a and WhatsApp
According to the study, which surveyed over 500 Nigerians, women and individuals aged 25 to 34 are disproportionately affected by online abuse, with 58% reporting some form of harm.
Ewang emphasises the urgent need for stronger interventions to address these issues.
“These findings,” she says, “are not just statistics; they represent real people facing online abuse, misinformation, and harassment every day. Tech platforms must do more to protect users, and policymakers need to step in where platforms fail.”
The report revealed that while 60% of Nigerians have reported experiencing online harm, most believe that no action was taken in response. X was ranked as the worst offender among social media platforms, followed by Facebook at 29% and WhatsApp at 12%. In contrast, Instagram was identified as the most responsive platform, with 26% of respondents stating it effectively addresses complaints.
The lack of transparency in content moderation and accountability among tech giants was highlighted as a significant concern. Many Nigerians believe these platforms prioritise profits over user safety.
Ewang underscores that while social media companies often tout their commitment to user safety, many Nigerians feel that these promises are not reflected in their experiences online. This disconnect has led to growing distrust among users regarding the effectiveness of existing policies aimed at curbing online harm.
Misinformation emerged as the most significant digital threat in Nigeria, with an overwhelming 99% of respondents identifying fake news as a major concern. Additionally, 91% of Nigerians believe that large tech companies wield excessive power over democracy, raising fears about their influence on public opinion and governance.
Experts at the event warned that unchecked misinformation could have severe consequences for national security, elections, and public health. Digital rights advocates called for stronger policies to regulate content moderation and hold tech companies accountable for user safety.
The findings of this report come at a critical time when there is increasing pressure on the Nigerian government to take action against social media giants for their role in perpetuating online harm. Advocacy groups are urging policymakers to implement regulations that ensure user safety and promote accountability among tech companies operating in Nigeria.
Ewang underscores that while social media companies often tout their commitment to user safety, many Nigerians feel that these promises are not reflected in their experiences online. This disconnect has led to growing distrust among users regarding the effectiveness of existing policies aimed at curbing online harm.
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