Nigeria’s growing digital economy and widespread use of social media platforms have prompted renewed attention to data privacy rights, as authorities warn that the unauthorised recording and sharing of people’s images online could lead to serious legal consequences.
The Federal Government has cautioned content creators and social media users against capturing and distributing videos or photographs of individuals in public spaces without their consent. Officials say such practices violate privacy rights protected under Nigerian law and may attract criminal prosecution.
The warning was issued through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, the regulatory body responsible for enforcing the country’s data protection framework.
FG warns against unauthorised public video sharing on social media
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has raised concerns over the increasing trend of unauthorised public video sharing on social media platforms, warning that individuals who capture and post videos of unsuspecting members of the public may face sanctions under the law.
According to the Commission, many social media users have been recording strangers at busy locations—particularly in major cities such as Lagos—and uploading the footage online for entertainment, social commentary or online engagement.
Officials explained that such recordings often occur without the knowledge or permission of the individuals being filmed, raising serious concerns about privacy rights and data protection.
The regulatory body noted that these actions could amount to unlawful processing of personal data, especially when identifiable images of individuals are shared publicly without explicit consent.
Privacy rights protected under Nigerian law
The Commission emphasised that Nigerians have a constitutional right to privacy, which extends to the protection of their personal images and information.
Authorities referenced Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to privacy in their homes, communications and personal affairs.
They also cited the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which establishes guidelines governing how personal data, including images and videos, may be collected, stored and shared.
Under the law, individuals or organisations processing personal data must obtain lawful consent from the data subject before using such information, except under specific circumstances recognised by the legislation.
According to the Commission, many instances of unauthorised public video sharing fail to meet these legal requirements because the individuals featured in the videos were neither informed nor consulted before their images were made public.
NDPC raises concern over viral roadside recordings
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission indicate that a growing number of online creators now film people in public places such as roadside markets, bus stops and commercial districts.
The videos are then uploaded to platforms like TikTok, X and services owned by Meta.
Officials say the trend has become particularly common in busy urban centres where unsuspecting pedestrians, commuters or traders are filmed while going about their daily activities.
In many cases, the Commission said the recordings serve no clear public interest and are primarily intended to generate online views or viral attention.
Regulators warned that unauthorised public video sharing in such situations constitutes a breach of citizens’ rights to informational self-determination, a principle that allows individuals to control how their personal data is used.
NDPC warns of legal consequences for violators
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Vincent Olatunji, urged social media platform operators and content creators to comply strictly with privacy regulations.
He emphasised that digital platforms must enforce their community guidelines effectively to prevent the spread of unlawful content that violates the privacy rights of Nigerians.
Olatunji warned that both creators and platforms could face penalties if they fail to take steps to prevent unauthorised public video sharing that breaches data protection laws.
Similarly, the Commission’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, reiterated that the government remains committed to enforcing privacy regulations across Nigeria’s digital space.
He explained that individuals who deliberately violate citizens’ privacy rights by recording and distributing videos without consent could face criminal prosecution.
Global cooperation on emerging privacy threats
Beyond addressing the issue of unauthorised public video sharing, Nigerian authorities are also working with international regulators to tackle emerging privacy risks linked to artificial intelligence and digital manipulation technologies.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission recently joined more than 60 global data protection authorities in endorsing the Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy.
The initiative was coordinated by the Global Privacy Assembly and aims to address concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence tools to create highly realistic images or videos of identifiable individuals.
Such technologies can be used to generate deepfake content or manipulated visuals that falsely depict people in compromising situations.
Experts say the rise of AI-generated imagery presents new legal and ethical challenges for governments and regulators worldwide.
The joint statement therefore calls on organisations developing or deploying AI systems to implement safeguards that prevent abuse, ensure transparency in digital content creation and provide mechanisms for quickly removing harmful materials.
Growing need for digital responsibility
Technology experts say Nigeria’s expanding social media landscape has created opportunities for digital creativity and economic activity, but it has also increased the risk of privacy violations.
With millions of Nigerians now active on social media platforms, regulators believe there is an urgent need for stronger awareness about data protection obligations.
Authorities say content creators must recognise that the right to create and share digital content does not override the fundamental privacy rights of other citizens.
The government therefore urged individuals to exercise caution and responsibility when producing online content, warning that unauthorised public video sharing could expose violators to legal sanctions under Nigeria’s data protection framework.
As digital platforms continue to shape public communication and social interaction, regulators say protecting personal data and privacy rights will remain a critical priority for Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
