NDPC Warns Content Creators Over Filming Nigerians Without Consent For Social Media Content
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned social media content creators against recording unsuspecting members of the public and posting the footage online, saying the practice violates citizens’ privacy rights.
The commission’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, raised the concern on Friday in Abuja while addressing the increasing trend of individuals filming people in public areas 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 collecting and using images or videos of individuals without their consent is unlawful unless the person responsible can rely on other recognised legal grounds for processing personal data.
“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.”
He also disclosed that the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has instructed major social media platforms, including TikTok, X and Meta, to strengthen enforcement of their community rules to prevent 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.”
Bamigboye added that content creators who disregard citizens’ privacy rights could face serious legal consequences, including possible criminal prosecution.
The warning comes as authorities express growing concern over the use of public spaces for online entertainment content, stressing the importance of complying with Nigeria’s data protection laws and respecting individuals’ privacy.
