Nigeria Data Protection Commission warns content creators against filming members of the public without consent
The Facts
- The NDPC issued a public warning that content creators should not film or photograph unsuspecting members of the public and share the footage on social media without consent.
- The NDPC said such filming and sharing can violate citizens’ privacy rights, citing Section 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
- The warning was contained in a statement released on Friday and signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, identified as the NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations.
- The NDPC referenced a case involving a content creator in Lagos State who records members of the public in roadside/public settings for a “reality show”-style social media format.
- The NDPC said processing people’s images in this context requires consent unless the creator can justify the processing under another lawful basis.
- The NDPC warned that content creators who violate privacy rights could face criminal prosecution.
- The NDPC warned that social media platforms that fail to act on complaints about unauthorized filming may face regulatory sanctions.
Context
What prompted the NDPC’s warning?
The NDPC said it had been alerted to a growing trend of individuals taking photos or videos of unsuspecting members of the public and sharing them on social media, and it pointed to a Lagos-based roadside/public-space “reality show” style example as a specific concern. Nairaland Punch Newspapers Guardian
What laws did the NDPC cite in saying the practice can be unlawful?
The commission cited Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (privacy) and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, saying the conduct can violate citizens’ rights to privacy and informational self-determination. Nairaland Daily Post Nigeria News Agency of Nige…
What consequences did the NDPC say could follow for creators and platforms?
The NDPC said content creators who violate privacy rights could face criminal prosecution, and it warned that social media platforms that do not act promptly on complaints risk regulatory sanctions. Punch Newspapers Vanguard Businessday NG
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