WhatsApp is rolling out a major privacy update that will allow Nigerians and users worldwide to use the app without needing to share their phone numbers, by introducing unique usernames for login and communication. This new feature, currently in beta testing, promises enhanced privacy and safer interactions starting late 2025. Owned by Meta, WhatsApp serves over two billion users globally and has long required a phone number for account registration and messaging. However, recent beta versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS show the introduction of unique usernames, enabling users to create personalised handles as an alternative to phone numbers. Through these usernames, users can chat and join groups without revealing their personal phone numbers. The username system allows users to register handles made up of lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. While the username reservation feature is available now in WhatsApp’s beta version, the full rollout is anticipated in the coming weeks or months after further verification and conflict prevention measures are tested. In the past, many WhatsApp users have expressed concern over exposing their personal phone numbers to businesses, unknown contacts, or potential spammers during group interactions. Given Nigeria’s large WhatsApp user base, estimated at over 100 million mobile internet users relying heavily on messaging apps for personal and business communication, this change could reduce the risk of phone number misuse and identity exposure to scammers. WhatsApp has not yet announced an exact date for the nationwide rollout in Nigeria, but the beta testing’s positive reception suggests the feature will arrive soon after completion of necessary adjustments. Users can already reserve usernames via the beta app settings to secure their preferred handles ahead of the official launch.
Airport drama: singer Portable demands government action against pranksters after Port Harcourt incident
Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has called on the federal government to ban prank videos following a chaotic altercation at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The incident, which quickly went viral, involved Portable and a group of individuals he described as “death pranksters” who staged a dangerous prank against him. The tense 53-second video circulating on social media shows Portable dressed in beige attempting to confront an unidentified person amid pushing, shoving, and restraint by security personnel. At one point, a man appears barefoot, while another wields what looks like a belt or whip, intensifying the chaotic scene. Airport security guards eventually pulled Portable toward a waiting vehicle, diffusing what could have escalated into a violent confrontation. In a video response posted on his Instagram page the following day, Portable alleged that he was targeted by “death pranksters” – pranksters who stage extreme, often life-threatening hoaxes for online content. He said, “Those people came to prank me. They were death pranksters. It almost turned to cultist level. Ten yellows no fit stand one blue,” blending English and Yoruba to emphasise the severity of the incident and his resilience. Portable claimed that these pranksters had been tarnishing his reputation for social media fame and warned that the situation was beginning to resemble a cult-related conflict. The “Zazu Zeh” crooner urged the government to put a stop to such dangerous pranks and fake news spread by bloggers on social media platforms. “Make government stop all those prankers and some fake bloggers. Make them stop all this fake news post just because of small fame. Why una dey spoil person wey get glory name with una platforms?” he appealed. Portable also revealed he had checked the TikTok account of one of the pranksters, which contained multiple prank videos, some involving fake deaths staged to elicit prolonged emotional responses. He described the prank team as consisting of six individuals, some of whom had placed a price tag on him following these viral episodes. This incident is the latest in a series of public controversies involving Portable, including previous legal issues and police attention. His demand for government intervention highlights rising concerns about the impact of reckless prank culture on public safety and personal reputations in Nigeria. For Nigerians and the broader African tech ecosystem, Portable’s call shines a light on the growing challenge of regulating online content, especially prank videos that blur the line between entertainment and harm. With social media platforms serving as primary content distributors, deliberate misinformation and dangerous stunts pose risks that national agencies must address to protect citizens and public order. As the debate on content regulation continues globally, Nigerian authorities face pressure to impose stricter controls on prank videos and online hoaxes that escalate into real-life dangers. Portable’s public outcry could be a catalyst for renewed focus on legal frameworks governing digital content and social media ethics in Nigeria.
Trump confirms Murdochs, Oracle, and Dell in talks to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations
President Donald Trump revealed that media executives Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, Oracle’s Larry Ellison, and Dell CEO Michael Dell are involved in negotiations to assume control of TikTok’s U.S. branch. The agreement aims to transfer ownership from ByteDance to a predominantly American-led consortium. The potential transaction is progressing as discussions continue to unfold over the future ownership of TikTok in the U.S. Trump announced in a Fox News interview that Lachlan Murdoch is actively participating in the arrangement, with his father Rupert possibly joining. Oracle and Dell leaders are also expected to play significant roles in the acquisition group. While details remain somewhat in flux, media reports indicate that Fox Corporation, headed by Lachlan Murdoch, may also be part of the takeover. The planned restructuring involves spinning TikTok off from Chinese parent company ByteDance to secure majority ownership by U.S. investors. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the framework of the deal is agreed upon in principle, with final signatures expected soon. Under the revamped structure, American representatives would hold six of the seven board seats, and TikTok’s algorithm would be overseen domestically, key measures to address national security concerns. Bloomberg reports that besides Oracle, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and private equity firm Silver Lake Management may join the consortium. Oracle is slated to lead the platform’s security and safety operations, while ByteDance would keep less than a 20% stake. This development follows federal legislation mandating ByteDance’s divestment of TikTok’s U.S. activities, with the threat of a ban looming if unresolved. Earlier in the year, U.S. courts ordered the sale by January 19, prompting many creators to migrate to other platforms. Trump revealed he personally discussed the approval with China’s President Xi Jinping, who supported the deal’s restructuring. TikTok expressed gratitude towards both leaders for their efforts to ensure the app’s continued availability to American users.
DSS orders X to remove Omoyele Sowore’s account over anti-Tinubu post
The Department of State Services (DSS) has demanded that X, formerly known as Twitter, deactivate the account of Omoyele Sowore, publisher and former presidential hopeful, within 24 hours. This action follows a controversial tweet deemed threatening to Nigeria’s national security. Sowore posted a message, on August 25, 2025, at about 11:38 PM local time, criticizing President Bola Tinubu. The secret police flagged the remark for its potential to incite unrest. According to an official letter signed by B. Bamigboye on behalf of the DSS Director-General, the tweet accused the President of dishonesty regarding corruption claims. The message emphasized concerns that the content might provoke violent reactions, particularly from Tinubu’s supporters who had already begun public demonstrations. Government officials argued that the post disrespected the President’s reputation and jeopardized the nation’s image internationally. The petition referenced several sections of Nigerian law, emphasizing that spreading false information and inflammatory statements online is illegal. They cited the Criminal Code Act, the Cyber Crimes Act 2025, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 as relevant legal frameworks that criminalize such behaviour and hold both the author and the hosting platform accountable. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Sowore had yet to respond to the government’s request by the time this report was published. The DSS stressed that failure to comply could lead to comprehensive enforcement actions to uphold security and public order. This development raises eyebrows about freedom of expression and the limits of online speech in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Meta and X violate Nigeria’s Internet Code, face potential NITDA penalties
Social media giants Meta and X have breached Nigeria’s Interactive Computer Service Platforms Code by failing to submit mandatory content moderation reports for 2024, putting them at risk of sanctions from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). According to the latest compliance assessment from NITDA, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and X, formerly known as Twitter, have neglected critical obligations under the Nigerian Internet Code of Practice. While Meta has fulfilled some requirements like local incorporation, physical presence, and tax filings, it has not delivered its content moderation report in the format specified by NITDA, complicating effective oversight. On the other hand, X failed entirely to meet any criteria, including registering a Nigerian office, submitting reports, or appointing a local compliance officer. The 2024 review, which also evaluated platforms such as LinkedIn, Google, and TikTok, noted moderate adherence from these companies, showing the varying degrees of cooperation within the industry. The report also revealed that these compliant platforms collectively disabled more than 13.5 million user accounts last year and enforced 58.9 million content removals. Additionally, over 420,000 appeals resulted in content being restored after initial takedowns. NITDA voiced sharp concern over the accountability deficit displayed by Meta and X, emphasizing the necessity of uniform reporting to maintain digital responsibility. “Meta’s inability to conform to the prescribed reporting template impedes comparative assessments across the sector,” the agency remarked. It was particularly alarmed by X’s wholesale disregard for the Code’s provisions, describing the situation as a serious breach of Nigerian regulations. While the report stops short of naming specific punishments, NITDA officials confirmed non-compliance contravenes the NITDA Act and warrants sanctions. The agency remains in deliberation over the appropriate penalties, given that the current Code does not elaborate on enforcement measures. Prof. Isa Pantami, the immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and a key architect of the Internet Code, stated, This regulatory framework was designed to prevent tech behemoths from overshadowing sovereign governance, ensuring they remain accountable within Nigeria’s jurisdiction. A NITDA spokesperson added, We are committed to enforcing the Code to uphold online safety and protect Nigerians from harmful content. Companies must demonstrate proactive cooperation, or face consequences Meta and X’s refusal to comply marks a crucial turning point for digital governance in Nigeria. As regulators consider possible penalties, the fact that some other platforms are only partially cooperating exposes the challenges in meeting the industry’s regulatory standards. We can from now, expect stricter enforcement and clearer rules to make sure all tech companies follow Nigeria’s digital laws, ultimately creating safer online spaces for everyone across the country.
YouTube launches AI to guess users’ ages, aiming to protect young viewers
YouTube has started using artificial intelligence (AI) to estimate users’ ages to help keep minors away from unsuitable content. The new system, rolled out this week in the US, looks at how users watch and search on the platform to figure out if they are under 18. This goes beyond just trusting the birthdate people give during sign-up, which can be easily faked. If the AI decides someone is a teen, YouTube automatically applies safety measures like limiting violent or sexually suggestive videos, adjusting recommendations, and turning off targeted ads. But if an adult is misidentified as a minor, they must prove their age by submitting an official ID, credit card, or a selfie before regaining full access. YouTube says this AI tool has worked well in other countries and is part of a wider effort by social media platforms to protect young users. Facebook’s parent company Meta and TikTok also use similar technology to verify ages and enforce safety rules. However, some users worry about privacy and the hassle of providing sensitive documents to prove their age if the AI makes a mistake. Privacy experts have raised concerns about how this data will be handled. YouTube told CNN that Google, its parent company, uses strong security to protect users’ personal information and does not keep submitted IDs or credit cards for advertising. While this AI system only works for logged-in users, meaning kids could still access some content without an account, age-restricted videos remain off-limits to signed-out visitors.This new approach restates YouTube’s efforts to creating a safer space for young people on the platform.