The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a warning to content creators who capture and share images or videos of members of the public without consent, stating that such acts violate citizens’ rights under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
The warning follows reports of a content creator in Lagos State who records unsuspecting individuals at roadsides for a so-called “reality show,” raising concerns about the misuse of personal data for entertainment. Preliminary investigations by the Commission indicate that the recordings serve neither public nor legitimate interest, as the individuals filmed have no reason to expect their images would be published widely.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, NDPC National Commissioner and CEO, has directed social media platform owners, including TikTok, X, and Meta, to enforce community guidelines more strictly to prevent harm through unlawful processing of personal data. The Commission emphasized that failure by platforms to act promptly may result in sanctions under the NDP Act.
Olatunji further stressed that content creators themselves are personally accountable for violations and may face criminal prosecution for infringing on the privacy rights of Nigerian citizens.
The NDPC’s statement reinforces the legal expectation that consent is required when processing personal images and highlights the regulatory authority’s commitment to protecting the informational self-determination of Nigerians.
