FG Issues Stern Warning to Content Creators – Unauthorized Filming of Unsuspecting Nigerians in Public Could Lead to Prosecution

By Tgnews Reporter

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has issued a strong caution to content creators nationwide against filming or photographing members of the public without their explicit consent and sharing such content online.

In a press statement released on March 13, 2026, the NDPC highlighted a rising trend—particularly in Lagos State where individuals capture videos and images of unsuspecting passers-by for “reality-style” social media content. The commission described these practices as serious violations of citizens’ privacy rights.

The NDPC emphasized that such actions infringe on the right to privacy guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and constitute unlawful processing of personal data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDPA).

“These acts violate the rights of citizens to informational self-determination,” the statement read, adding that recording people in public spaces without their knowledge or consent especially when they have no expectation of their images being broadcast online amounts to a deliberate intrusion into personal privacy with no legitimate public interest justification.

The commission singled out examples of content creators positioning themselves on roadsides to produce unscripted footage of random individuals, noting that preliminary investigations showed these activities serve neither public nor legitimate interests.

NDPC warned that individual content creators bear direct accountability and may face criminal prosecution for violating privacy rights. Social media platforms that fail to promptly address complaints or remove offending content risk regulatory sanctions under the NDPA.

“The Commission will not hesitate to impose appropriate sanctions on non-compliant platforms,” the statement declared. It urged platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and others to strengthen enforcement mechanisms against such violations.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over privacy breaches in Nigeria’s booming digital content creation space, where viral street videos and candid recordings have become popular formats.

National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, through the Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, reiterated the need for creators to respect citizens’ privacy and obtain consent where required or establish another lawful basis for processing personal data.

This development signals a tougher stance on data protection enforcement in Nigeria, as the government seeks to balance digital innovation with the protection of fundamental rights.

Content creators and platforms are advised to review their practices immediately to avoid legal repercussions. The NDPC has indicated it will actively monitor compliance and pursue enforcement actions as necessary.