Tech
THE Coalition of civil society organisations has called for an independent investigation into the reported disruption of TikTok access in parts of northern Nigeria.
The Communications Officer, Media Rights Agenda, Mr Idowu Adewale, called for the investigation in a joint statement by the coalition on Friday.
Adewale said that the reported disruption had affected users in Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto since Sept. 14.
He said that the affected users had experienced difficulties loading videos, viewing content and uploading materials through ordinary mobile-data connections.
According to him, the disruption appears to affect multiple networks, with some users reportedly regaining access only through Virtual Private Network (VPNs).
He, however, said that preliminary investigations had not established whether the disruption resulted from technical failure, network routing problems or deliberate restriction.
Adewale said that no public explanation had so far established the cause, in spite the disruption lasting over two weeks.
He said that prolonged unexplained disruption could affect communication, journalism, civic participation, businesses and public discourse.
Adewale urged the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Information Technology Development Agency, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to investigate the issue.
He also called for collaboration among regulators, telecommunications operators, internet service providers, TikTok and relevant state authorities to establish what happened.
The communications officer urged relevant authorities to publicly disclose any government directive, request or order affecting TikTok access, including its legal basis, scope, duration and purpose.
He also asked telecommunications operators to provide timely information to affected consumers about major network disruptions and expected restoration periods.
Adewale recommended an independent technical testing to determine whether DNS interference, IP or domain blocking, throttling, routing anomalies or application-specific filtering contributed to the disruption.
He further urged TikTok to clarify whether technical problems, infrastructure changes, routing issues or service disruptions on its side affected users in northern Nigeria.
Adewale called for protection of users, journalists, researchers and civil society groups documenting the disruption through lawful means from harassment or reprisals.
He also urged authorities to avoid broad restrictions on VPNs solely because some users had used them to regain access to TikTok.
Adewale called for a transparent national protocol requiring prompt notification, investigation and reporting of significant internet disruptions.
He said that such a framework would reduce uncertainty, limit misinformation and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
The communications officer also called for publication of a final investigation report, detailing the affected networks, locations, technical cause, government involvement, legal directives and remedial measures.
The statement was signed by the Accountability Lab Nigeria, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, Digital Africa Research and Safety Lab, DigiCivic Initiative and Gatefield.
It was also signed by Hope Behind Bars Africa, Media Rights Agenda, Paradigm Initiative, RACE Africa, Spaces for Change, TechHerNG and TechSocietal. (NAN)
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Tags: TokTok disruption in Northern Nigeria