The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned content creators across the country to respect the privacy rights of citizens and avoid filming or photographing people without their consent for online content.
The Commission issued the warning in a statement after its attention was drawn to the growing trend of individuals recording unsuspecting members of the public and sharing such videos on social media platforms for entertainment purposes.
According to the NDPC, such actions violate citizens’ rights to privacy and 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.
The Commission specifically raised concerns about a content creator who reportedly stands by roadsides in Lagos State to record unsuspecting passersby as part of what is described as a “reality show” posted online.
NDPC said the practice raises serious concerns about the misuse of personal data and the violation of individuals’ privacy in the name of entertainment.
In simple terms, the Commission explained that recording and sharing images or videos of people without their knowledge or permission may amount to unlawful processing of personal data.
The Commission noted that content creators must obtain the consent of individuals before using their images or personal information, except where there is another lawful reason under the data protection law.
According to preliminary findings by the NDPC, the roadside video recordings currently under scrutiny appear to have no legitimate public interest that would justify filming unsuspecting members of the public and sharing the footage widely on the internet.
It added that the individuals captured in such videos usually have no expectation that their images will be recorded and distributed online by strangers.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has therefore directed social media platforms to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines in order to prevent harm caused by the misuse of personal data.
The directive applies to major social media companies including TikTok, X and Meta, which hosts platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
The Commission urged these platform owners to act promptly when complaints are made about videos or content that violate the privacy rights of individuals.
NDPC warned that failure by social media platforms to respond quickly to such complaints could attract sanctions under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
The Commission also stressed that individual content creators bear responsibility for the materials they produce and publish online.
It warned that those who unlawfully capture and distribute images or videos of unsuspecting individuals may face legal consequences, including criminal prosecution, if they are found to have violated Nigeria’s data protection laws.
The Commission emphasized that the growing influence of social media and digital content creation should not come at the expense of the privacy and dignity of citizens.
It therefore called on content creators to act responsibly and ensure that their activities comply with the country’s data protection regulations.
The statement was signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
The NDPC said it will continue to monitor digital platforms and content creation practices to ensure that the privacy rights of Nigerians are protected.
The warning comes amid increasing debates about ethical boundaries in online content creation, particularly videos that involve unsuspecting members of the public.
