The Federal government may have partially eased off restrictions on Twitter following meaningful talks between Nigeria and operators of the microblogging site.
Reports say Nigerians can now access Twitter via desktop only.
For users, access to the microblogging site appears to have been restored on computer systems. However, trials via the mobile phone are not yet successful.
The Federal government had on June 4 announced indefinite suspension of the operations of the microblogging and social networking platform in Nigeria, days after Twitter deleted a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari for allegedly violating its rules.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had cited ‘the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence’ as the reason for the suspension.
But the minister recently assured that the Twitter ban in Nigeria will be lifted soon.
He gave the assurance while briefing State House correspondents at the end of a recent virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the First Lady’s Conference room, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The minister, who was asked to give an update on the Twitter ban in Nigeria and the interface with the company, said: “The end for amicable resolution is very much in sight.”
Meanwhile, Twitter has launched a feature to tackle abuse and trolling, which has been major issues for the platform.
The company announced this on its platform.
As the company is under increasing pressure to protect its users from online abuse globally, the new feature is expected to automatically block hate speech.
– Agency Report