By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
TikTok has imposed new restrictions on its platform in Nigeria, suspending users from watching or hosting live streams during night hours. The decision follows concerns over a surge in explicit and sexually suggestive content being shared during late-night broadcasts.
According to the update, the social media giant aims to curb misuse of its live-streaming feature, which has increasingly been linked to content that violates the platform’s community guidelines. The company says the measure is part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe, respectful, and age-appropriate environment for its users.
The restriction, which took effect immediately, means Nigerian users will no longer be able to join or initiate live streams at night an approach TikTok believes will reduce the spread of inappropriate material that tends to peak during late hours.
TikTok has faced growing pressure globally to tighten its content monitoring systems, particularly around sexual content, minors’ safety, and the protection of vulnerable users. Nigeria, one of TikTok’s fastest-growing user bases in Africa, has seen increasing public criticism over explicit trends and viral challenges emerging on the platform.
While TikTok has not disclosed how long the night-time suspension will last, the company emphasized that it will continue reviewing the situation and may introduce additional safety measures if necessary.
Digital safety advocates say the move is a step in the right direction but call for stronger enforcement systems and local partnerships to ensure sustainable solutions.
For many Nigerian content creators who rely on night-time engagements to reach larger audiences, the new policy may pose short-term challenges. However, TikTok maintains that user safety remains its top priority.
As conversations continue about online safety and responsible digital behaviour, TikTok’s decision highlights the growing global debate on how platforms should respond to harmful content especially in markets with rapidly expanding social media influence.
