LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)– Nigeria’s data protection regulator has issued a stern warning to digital creators filming unsuspecting members of the public for online content, declaring the practice a potential violation of privacy laws with possible criminal consequences.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), said such actions could breach citizens constitutional right to privacy, warning that offenders risk criminal prosecution under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 (NDP Act).
The commission disclosed that it had received complaints about individuals who secretly film or photograph strangers before uploading the footage to social media platforms. One case drawing regulatory attention involves a content creator in Lagos who reportedly records passers-by at roadsides for what she describes as a “reality show.”
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Regulators said the activity raised serious concerns because the individuals captured typically have no idea that their images will be recorded or shared globally by strangers online.
“These acts violate the rights of citizens to informational self-determination as guaranteed under S.37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. The particular case of a content creator who stands at roadsides in Lagos State to create a ‘reality show’ of unsuspecting members of the general public raises concerns about abuse of rights in the name of entertainment,” the commission stated.
Meanwhile, the commission’s National Commissioner, Vincent Olatunji, has directed major social media platforms including TikTok, X, and Meta to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines. Authorities stressed that online platforms must act promptly when such violations occur.
“In the wake of this development, the National Commissioner/CEO of the Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed platform owners (such as TikTok, X, and Meta) to step up enforcement of community guidelines with a view to preventing harm to individuals through unlawful and unfair processing of personal data. For the avoidance of doubt, 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 said.
Also, the regulators emphasised that digital creators themselves remain legally accountable for how they collect or share personal data, stating, “More importantly, individual content creators are accountable for their acts and omissions, and may be liable to criminal prosecution for violating the privacy rights of citizens and other data subjects in Nigeria.”
Growing scrutiny of social media practices signals tougher enforcement ahead for online creators who film public encounters without consent.
