TikTok’s Dark Side: Former Aide to Ex-President Buhari Warns of Harm Caused by Social Media App

Bashir Ahmed, a former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has sounded the alarm over the increasing harm caused by social media app TikTok in Nigeria. According to Ahmed, the platform is providing a breeding ground for criminal elements to spread misinformation and propaganda, emboldening them to engage in dangerous activities.

In a post on his X.com account, Ahmed expressed concern over the freedom provided by TikTok, stating that it is being utilized by criminals, including bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists, to interact with the public and even defend their heinous activities. He believes that the platform is causing more harm than good for Nigeria, amplifying the voices of these criminals and providing a space for them to spread their propaganda and misinformation.

The issue of TikTok’s role in spreading criminal content has been a growing concern, with recent viral videos showing bandits flaunting cash purportedly collected as ransom for their victims. Counter-insurgency expert and security analyst, Zagazola Makama, has highlighted these videos in a series of posts on his X account, echoing Ahmed’s concerns.

Ahmed’s statement is a stark reminder of the Federal Government’s ban on Twitter, now X, in Nigeria during Buhari’s tenure. The microblogging site was suspended for 222 days after the platform deleted a tweet by Buhari. The ban was lifted in January 2022.

The Nigerian government needs to take immediate action to regulate and monitor content on TikTok to prevent it from being used for malicious purposes. It is essential to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect citizens from harmful and dangerous content.

As TikTok continues to grow in popularity, its dark side cannot be ignored. The world is watching, and it is imperative that the Nigerian government takes concrete steps to address this issue and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.