NDPC warns content creators against filming Nigerians without consent

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned content creators against taking photos or recording videos of unsuspecting members of the public and posting them on social media without their consent, stating that such actions could attract sanctions.

The commission issued the warning in a statement released in Abuja by Babatunde Bamigboye, who said the practice violates citizens’ rights to informational self-determination.

According to Bamigboye, the commission has recently observed a growing trend where individuals film or photograph unsuspecting members of the public and share the footage online for entertainment.

NDPC cites privacy violations

He explained that such actions contravene privacy protections guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, which regulates how personal data is collected and processed.

Bamigboye cited a recent case involving a content creator who reportedly positioned himself by roadsides in Lagos to record unsuspecting passersby for a reality-style online show.

According to the commission, processing images of individuals in such situations requires their consent unless the creator can justify the recording under another lawful basis permitted by data protection regulations.

The NDPC said preliminary investigations suggest that such recordings often amount to a wilful invasion of privacy and typically do not serve a legitimate public interest.

“In any event, the data subjects involved have no expectation that their images will be captured and shared with the whole world by an unknown individual,” Bamigboye said.

Social media platforms urged to enforce guidelines

The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, has also directed social media platforms to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines to prevent abuse of personal data.

The commission specifically mentioned platforms such as TikTok, X, and services owned by Meta.

According to the NDPC, stronger enforcement is necessary to prevent harm caused by unlawful or unfair processing of personal data online.

The commission warned that platform owners who fail to address such violations promptly could face sanctions under the data protection law.

It also stressed that individual content creators remain responsible for their actions and may face criminal prosecution if they violate the privacy rights of Nigerians.

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