—Michael Lyles, B1Daily

TikTok has temporarily restricted access to its live streaming feature for users in Nigeria during late-night hours, typically between about 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. local time. During these hours, many Nigerian users can’t host or view LIVE broadcasts. The change was communicated through an in-app notification to eligible creators, explaining that this was part of an ongoing safety investigation.

A growing network known as the BM Boys (where “BM” stands for blackmail) targets young men and teenagers. They often use fake female personas to trick victims into sharing intimate photos or videos, then threaten to leak them unless a ransom is paid.

TikTok says the move is to ensure platform safety and protect the community. Due to reports indicate a surge in explicit or sexually suggestive content during late-night live sessions, including broadcasters engaging in adult acts or pressuring viewers for virtual gifts, which are violations of TikTok’s community guidelines.

TikTok has already taken enforcement actions in Nigeria earlier this year — banning tens of thousands of live sessions and removing millions of videos for guideline violations involving scams, wire-fraud and money laundering.

Many Nigerian creators rely on late-night streams for engagement and income through virtual gifting, so the restriction has spurred debate, some support TikTok’s safety rationale, others criticize the disruption to legitimate content and earnings.

—Michael Lyles, B1Daily