NDPC Issues Stern Warning to Content Creators Over Privacy Breaches

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has issued a significant warning to social media content creators, cautioning them against the unauthorized filming and photographing of members of the public.

This directive, released on March 14, 2026, emphasizes that such actions constitute a serious violation of citizens’ privacy rights and could lead to criminal prosecution.

According to a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, the NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, the commission has observed a troubling trend where creators record individuals in public spaces without their knowledge.

These recordings are often shared across social media platforms for entertainment or “reality show” concepts. The NDPC maintains that these acts infringe upon the right to informational self-determination, a principle guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and reinforced by the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.

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The commission specifically highlighted a recent case in Lagos where a content creator filmed people at roadsides to create a “reality show.” Preliminary investigations by the NDPC revealed that this practice serves no legitimate public interest.

The commission argued that individuals captured in these videos have no expectation that their images will be recorded by strangers and broadcast to a global audience. Under the NDPA, processing personal data including images requires explicit consent unless there is a specific legal justification.

In response to these developments, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, has directed major social media platforms, including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta, to strengthen the enforcement of their community guidelines.

The goal is to prevent the harm caused by the unfair processing of personal data. The NDPC warned that if these platforms fail to act promptly on reported violations, they could face stiff regulatory sanctions.

For individual creators, the message is clear: the era of “hidden camera” pranks and unauthorized public filming carries high legal stakes. Beyond platform bans, violators now face the risk of being held personally accountable under criminal law.

As the digital economy grows, the NDPC remains committed to ensuring that creativity does not come at the expense of fundamental human rights. Content creators are encouraged to seek consent and operate within the legal frameworks of data protection to avoid severe legal repercussions.