The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has cautioned content creators across the country to respect the privacy rights of Nigerians and avoid actions that could lead to citizens privacy violations.
In a statement issued on March 13, 2026, the Commission said its attention had been drawn to individuals who record videos or take pictures of unsuspecting members of the public and share the content on social media platforms.
According to the NDPC, such practices amount to citizens privacy violations and infringe on the right to informational self-determination guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
The Commission cited a particular case involving a content creator who reportedly stands along roadsides in Lagos State to film unsuspecting passersby for a social media “reality show,” describing the act as an abuse of citizens’ rights in the name of entertainment.
ALSO READ:VIDEO: Actor Uzor Arukwe clears air on rumoured romance with Bambam amid Teddy A separation talk
The NDPC explained that processing or sharing people’s images in such circumstances requires their consent unless the creator can clearly justify the action under lawful data-processing provisions.
Preliminary findings by the Commission showed that the activity does not serve any legitimate or public interest and exposes individuals to citizens privacy violations.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has therefore directed social media platform owners, including TikTok, X and Meta, to strengthen enforcement of their community guidelines to prevent unlawful handling of personal data.
The Commission warned that platforms that fail to act promptly against harmful content may face sanctions under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
It further stressed that individual content creators will also be held accountable for their actions and could face criminal prosecution if they violate the privacy rights of Nigerians.