ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has cautioned Nigerian content creators against violating citizens’ privacy by filming or photographing unsuspecting members of the public and posting such material on social media.
The Commission stressed that these acts infringe on the constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and contravene provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act). In a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye Esq., Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, NDPC cited a recent case involving a Lagos-based creator who staged a “reality show” using images of passersby without their consent. The Commission noted that processing personal data in such circumstances requires clear consent or another lawful basis.
National Commissioner/CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji has directed platform owners, including TikTok, X, and Meta, to strengthen enforcement of community guidelines to prevent harm caused by unlawful data processing. The statement further warned that failure by platforms to act promptly could attract sanctions under the NDP Act.
NDPC emphasized that individual creators remain accountable for their actions and may face criminal prosecution for violating citizens’ privacy rights. The Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ informational self-determination and ensuring that digital innovation does not come at the expense of fundamental rights.
