The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has cautioned content creators against recording members of the public without their permission, warning that such actions could lead to criminal prosecution. The commission also threatened sanctions against social media platforms that fail to address such violations promptly.
In a statement released on Friday, the commission revealed it had received reports of individuals secretly taking photos and videos of unsuspecting people and posting them online. According to the agency, this practice breaches citizens’ constitutional right to privacy.
The commission referenced a case involving a content creator who reportedly films passers-by along roadsides in Lagos State for what she calls a “reality show.” A preliminary investigation, however, indicated that the activity neither serves the public interest nor qualifies as a legitimate reason for collecting personal data.
The agency stressed that such actions violate the rights of individuals to control how their personal information is used, as protected under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
According to the statement, filming and sharing images of people in public for entertainment purposes generally requires their consent unless the creator can clearly justify it under legally acceptable grounds for data processing. In this particular situation, the commission said the individuals being filmed had no expectation that their images would be captured and distributed globally by a stranger.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Vincent Olatunji, has instructed major social media companies—including TikTok, X, and Meta Platforms—to tighten enforcement of their community guidelines to prevent harm caused by the unlawful processing of personal data.
The commission warned that any platform that fails to address such violations quickly could face penalties under the Nigeria Data Protection Act. It also emphasized that content creators themselves remain personally responsible for their actions and may face criminal charges if they violate citizens’ privacy rights.
The warning comes amid a recent confrontation involving a woman known for documenting the shortage of buses on the Bus Rapid Transit routes in Lagos. In a video posted online, the activist said another woman confronted her while she was recording the situation and attempted to stop her from filming.
According to the activist, the woman threatened to seize her phone if she continued recording. Despite the intimidation, the activist refused to stop, insisting she had the right to document the lack of buses and the long queues faced by commuters.
The confrontation highlights the ongoing frustration among Lagos residents who struggle daily with limited public transportation and overcrowded bus stops.
Meanwhile, traffic conditions worsened earlier in the week after an overturned truck caused congestion around Otedola Bridge, adding to the already difficult commute. Authorities advised motorists to seek alternative routes while efforts were made to clear the obstruction.
The activist’s video has since sparked widespread online debate about commuters’ rights, public safety, and the urgent need to improve transportation services across Lagos.