NDPC Warns Content Creators to Respect Citizens’ Privacy

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned content creators across Nigeria to respect the privacy rights of citizens, cautioning against the unauthorised capture and sharing of images or videos of unsuspecting members of the public on social media platforms.

In a press statement dated March 13, 2026, the Commission said its attention had been drawn to the growing trend of individuals taking pictures and video recordings of people without their consent and posting such content online.

According to the Commission, such actions violate citizens’ rights to informational self-determination as guaranteed under Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

The NDPC specifically cited a case involving a content creator who reportedly stands by roadsides in Lagos State to produce a “reality show” using unsuspecting members of the public, raising concerns about the abuse of citizens’ rights under the guise of entertainment.

The Commission explained that processing people’s images in such circumstances requires their consent unless the creator can justify the action under other lawful bases of data processing.

It added that preliminary investigations suggest the activity constitutes a wilful invasion of citizens’ privacy and does not serve any public or legitimate interest.

“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,” the statement said.

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, has also directed major social media platforms, including TikTok, X, and Meta, to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines to prevent harm arising from unlawful and unfair processing of personal data.

The Commission further warned that failure by platform owners to address such violations promptly could attract sanctions under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

“Where a platform owner fails or neglects to act timeously in addressing harms, the Commission will not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions under the NDP Act,” the statement added.

NDPC also emphasised that individual content creators remain accountable for their actions and may face criminal prosecution if found guilty of violating the privacy rights of citizens in Nigeria.

The statement was signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the Commission.