Bashir Ahmed, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has sounded the alarm on the dangers of TikTok, citing its increasing use by criminal elements to spread misinformation and propaganda.
Ahmed noted that the platform’s freedom is emboldening criminals, including bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists, to interact with the public and defend their heinous activities. He stated, “It is alarming that TikTok… is being utilised by criminals… to interact with the public and, in some cases, even engage in live conversations defending their heinous activities.”
Ahmed argued that TikTok is causing more harm than good to Nigeria, amplifying the voices of criminals and providing a space for propaganda and misinformation. He emphasized the need for stricter regulations and content monitoring to prevent malicious agendas.
During Buhari’s tenure, the Federal Government banned Twitter (now X) for 222 days, citing concerns over national security and misinformation. Ahmed’s call for regulation echoes similar concerns raised during the Twitter ban.
Recently, viral videos on TikTok showing bandits flaunting ransom cash have raised concerns. Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama highlighted these videos, sparking a wider debate on the need for regulation.
