The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned content creators against filming or photographing people in public without their consent and posting the material online.
The commission said it had received reports of individuals taking pictures and recording videos of unsuspecting members of the public and sharing them on social media.
According to the regulator, such actions violate the privacy rights of citizens protected under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
Officials pointed to a recent case involving a content creator who stands by the roadside in Lagos and records members of the public as part of what she describes as a “reality show”.
The commission stated that using people’s images in that way requires consent unless the creator can clearly justify it under other lawful grounds for processing personal data.
Preliminary checks by the NDPC found that the activity amounts to a deliberate invasion of citizens’ privacy. The commission said the recordings do not serve a public interest or any legitimate purpose.
It also noted that those being filmed do not expect their images to be captured and shared online by a stranger.
Following the development, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, directed major social media platforms to strengthen enforcement of their community rules.
Platforms mentioned include TikTok, X (formerly Twitter) and Meta Platforms.
The commission said these companies must act quickly when harmful content appears on their platforms. If they fail to respond on time, the regulator warned that it may impose sanctions under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
The NDPC also reminded content creators that they are responsible for what they publish online. According to the commission, anyone who violates the privacy rights of citizens may face legal consequences, including criminal prosecution.
