A new statement from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is sending a clear message to digital creators across Nigeria: people’s privacy must be respected, even in the name of entertainment.
In a press release dated 13 March 2026, the Commission expressed concern about a growing trend where individuals film unsuspecting members of the public and upload the footage to social media platforms. According to the regulator, these actions may violate citizens’ fundamental privacy rights.
Image Credit: NDPC’s X page
What Triggered the Warning
The NDPC revealed that its attention had been drawn to content creators who record random members of the public often in busy streets or roadside locations and then publish the videos online as part of “reality-style” entertainment.
One particular case reportedly involved a creator operating in Lagos State who records unsuspecting people in public spaces and shares the clips on social media. While this type of content may seem harmless or entertaining to viewers, the Commission says it raises serious legal and ethical concerns.
Why the NDPC Says It’s a Problem
According to the Commission, capturing and sharing identifiable images of individuals without their consent may violate the right to informational self-determination guaranteed under:
- Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Section 37
- Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023
In simple terms, the law gives individuals control over how their personal data including images and videos of them is collected, used, and shared.
The NDPC emphasised that processing personal data usually requires consent, unless another lawful basis clearly applies. In the case currently under review, the Commission says its preliminary investigation suggests that the filming does not serve a legitimate or public interest.
Equally important, people appearing in such videos often do not expect that their images will be recorded and broadcast to a global audience by a stranger.
Notice to Social Media Platforms
The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has directed major social media companies to step up enforcement of community guidelines with a view to preventing harm to individuals through unlawful and unfair processing of personal data.
Platforms specifically mentioned include:
- TikTok
- X
- Meta
The Commission wants these platforms to act timeously in addressing harms when content violates privacy rights or involves unlawful processing of personal data.
Possible Legal Consequences
The NDPC made it clear that both platforms and individual creators could face consequences if they fail to address privacy violations. If a platform neglects to act after being notified of harmful content, the Commission says it may impose sanctions under the Nigeria Data Protection Act. For creators themselves, the warning is even more direct. They are accountable for their acts and omissions and may be liable to criminal prosecution for violating the privacy rights of citizens and other data subjects in Nigeria.
What This Means for Content Creators
The message from the regulator is straightforward: being in a public space does not automatically mean someone has given permission to be filmed and broadcast online.
Content creators operating in Nigeria should now be more cautious about:
- filming strangers without permission
- uploading identifiable videos of individuals
- using people’s images as “entertainment content”
Obtaining consent and respecting privacy rights are becoming non-negotiable requirements in the country’s digital landscape.
This warning from the NDPC shows that Nigeria’s data protection regulator is increasingly prepared to enforce privacy rights in the age of content creation and social media entertainment.
For creators, influencers, and digital media entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: creative freedom must still operate within the boundaries of data protection law.