The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has warned content creators against filming or sharing images and videos of unsuspecting members of the public without their consent.
In a statement issued March 13, the commission said 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.
The commission said its attention has been drawn to individuals who take photos or record videos of members of the public and post them on social media platforms without permission.
It cited a recent case involving a content creator in Lagos who reportedly films unsuspecting people by the roadside as part of a reality style show.
According to the commission, processing images of individuals in such situations requires their consent unless there are other lawful grounds for data processing.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Vincent Olatunji, also directed platform owners including TikTok, X and Meta Platforms to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines.
The NDPC warned that where platforms fail to act promptly, the commission may impose sanctions under the data protection law.
It added that individual content creators could also face criminal prosecution for violating the privacy rights of citizens in Nigeria.
