The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has cautioned content creators against recording unsuspecting members of the public and posting the footage on social media, warning that the practice violates citizens’ privacy right.
The Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the commission, Babatunde Bamigboye, raised the concern on Friday in Abuja, condemning the growing trend of individuals filming people in public places for online “reality” content without their permission.
“These acts violate the rights of citizens to informational self-determination as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.”
Bamigboye explained that capturing and processing images or videos of individuals without their consent is unlawful unless the person recording can rely on other legally recognised grounds for data processing.
“Our preliminary investigations reveal that this wilful invasion of citizens’ privacy serves neither a public nor legitimate interest.
“People whose images are captured have no expectation that their pictures or videos will be shared globally by an unknown individual.”
Following the development, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has instructed major social media platforms such as TikTok, X and Meta to tighten enforcement of their community guidelines to protect users from unlawful use of personal data.
“For the avoidance of doubt, where a platform owner fails or neglects to act in a timely manner to prevent harm, the Commission will not hesitate to impose sanctions under the NDP Act.”
He also warned that content creators who breach citizens’ privacy rights could face legal consequences, including possible criminal prosecution.
The commission’s warning comes amid increasing concern about the use of public spaces to create online entertainment content, with authorities stressing the need for strict adherence to data protection laws and respect for personal privacy.
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