The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a stern warning to content creators and social media influencers against filming or photographing unsuspecting members of the public without their consent, cautioning that violations could lead to criminal prosecution and sanctions.
In a statement released on Friday, the commission said it had been alerted to the activities of individuals who record people in public spaces and share the footage online, describing such acts as serious infringements on citizens’ constitutional right to privacy.
The NDPC highlighted a specific case in Lagos State, where a content creator regularly positions herself at busy roadsides to film passers-by for what she describes as a “reality show.” A preliminary investigation conducted by the commission reportedly found that the content served neither a public interest nor a legitimate purpose.
Speaking on the matter, NDPC Executive Secretary/CEO Armstrong Idachaba said, “The right to privacy is a fundamental human right guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. No individual should be recorded or photographed without their knowledge and consent, even in public spaces. Content creators who flout this rule risk criminal prosecution and civil liabilities.”
He added, “Social media platforms are not exempt. Platforms that fail to act against such unlawful content may face sanctions. We expect all operators to be proactive in ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws.”
The commission emphasized that filming people without consent, even in public, may amount to unauthorized data processing under the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). Violation of these regulations could attract fines, criminal charges, and civil lawsuits.
A spokesperson for the NDPC further explained, “Our preliminary investigations show that some content creators exploit unsuspecting individuals to generate views and engagement. This is unacceptable. The NDPC is committed to protecting personal data and privacy in all online spaces.”
Legal experts say the move by the NDPC comes amid growing concern over the rise of online content that exposes ordinary citizens to ridicule or harassment. They note that besides fines and prosecution, content creators could face civil lawsuits from victims seeking damages for invasion of privacy.
The NDPC urged members of the public to report violations through its official channels and reiterated its commitment to enforcing privacy rights. “Both content creators and platforms must operate responsibly. Respect for privacy is not optional it is a legal and moral obligation,” the statement concluded.