NDPC Warns Content Creators Against Violating Citizens’ Privacy
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has cautioned content creators in Nigeria to respect the privacy rights of citizens, warning that individuals who film or photograph unsuspecting members of the public and share such content online could face sanctions or prosecution.
In a press statement issued on Friday, March 13, 2026, the commission said its attention had been drawn to the activities of some individuals who record videos and take photographs of unsuspecting people in public places and post the footage on social media platforms without their consent.
The statement, signed by the Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the commission, Babatunde Bamigboye, the commission, 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 provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
The NDPC cited a particular case involving a content creator who reportedly records unsuspecting members of the public along roadsides in Lagos as part of a so-called “reality show” for social media entertainment.
The commission said preliminary investigations indicate that the practice amounts to a wilful invasion of citizens’ privacy, noting that people captured in such videos typically have no expectation that their images will be recorded and shared publicly by unknown individuals.
In response to the development, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, has directed social media platform owners to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines.
Platforms mentioned include TikTok, X and Meta.
The commission warned that failure by platform owners to act promptly in addressing violations could attract sanctions under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
It further stressed that individual content creators would be held accountable for their actions and could face criminal prosecution if found guilty of unlawfully processing personal data or violating the privacy rights of citizens.
