Amanze Chinonye
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has cautioned content creators against recording and sharing images or videos of unsuspecting members of the public on social media without their consent, describing the practice as a violation of citizens’ privacy rights.
In a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations and issued on Friday, the commission said it had received reports of individuals taking photographs and video footage of members of the public and posting the material online without their knowledge or approval.
The commission said such acts breach the right of citizens to informational self-determination, as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the agency, a particular case involving a content creator who reportedly films unsuspecting pedestrians by the roadside in Lagos for what is described as a “reality show” has raised serious concerns about the misuse of personal data in the name of entertainment.
The NDPC said preliminary findings from its investigation suggest the practice constitutes a wilful invasion of privacy and does not serve any public or legitimate interest.
It stressed that in such situations, processing or sharing individuals’ images requires their consent, unless the content creator can clearly justify the action under other lawful bases permitted by data protection laws.
“The data subjects involved have no expectation that their images will be captured and shared with the whole world by an unknown individual,” the commission said.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, has also directed social media platform operators including TikTok, X and Meta to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines to prevent harm arising from unlawful or unfair processing of personal data.
The commission warned that platform owners that fail to respond promptly to complaints or harmful content may face sanctions under the data protection law.
It added that individual content creators could also be held personally accountable for their actions and may face criminal prosecution if found guilty of violating the privacy rights of Nigerians and other data subjects.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
