By Paul Joseph
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned that content creators who violate the privacy rights of citizens by filming and sharing images of unsuspecting individuals online will face strict sanctions under Nigerian law.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Commission said individuals who record members of the public without their consent and post such footage on social media platforms risk legal consequences.
The statement, signed by the Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, Babatunde Bamigboye, stressed that such actions violate citizens’ rights to privacy and must be discontinued.
According to Bamigboye, the activities of some content creators who capture images or videos of people in public places and share them online as entertainment content amount to a breach of the law.
“These acts violate the rights of citizens to informational self-determination as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023,” he said.
The Commission raised particular concern over a case involving a content creator who reportedly films unsuspecting members of the public along roadsides in Lagos State for use in online “reality show” content.
According to the NDPC, preliminary investigations indicate that the practice represents a wilful invasion of citizens’ privacy and does not serve any legitimate public interest.
The Commission stated that individuals whose images are captured without their knowledge or permission cannot reasonably expect their pictures or videos to be shared widely on social media platforms by unknown persons.
Bamigboye explained that processing or sharing images of individuals requires their consent unless there is a lawful basis that justifies such actions.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, has also directed social media platform owners to strengthen enforcement of community guidelines to prevent harm caused by the unlawful processing of personal data.
Platforms mentioned include TikTok, X and services operated by Meta Platforms.
The Commission warned that platform owners who fail to respond promptly to complaints about privacy violations could also face sanctions under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
The NDPC emphasised that individual content creators are responsible for their actions and could face criminal prosecution if they violate the privacy rights of citizens.
The agency urged content creators and social media users to respect the rights of individuals and ensure that personal data is collected and shared only in accordance with the law.
The Commission added that protecting citizens’ personal information remains a key priority in its efforts to enforce data protection regulations across the country.
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