In a statement released on Friday, the commission said it had received several complaints about individuals who record videos or take photographs of unsuspecting citizens in public places and upload the footage to social media platforms without obtaining their consent.
According to the NDPC, such actions could amount to a violation of Nigerians’ constitutional right to privacy and may attract serious legal consequences.
The commission further warned that both the creators responsible for such content and the social media platforms that host them could face criminal prosecution or regulatory sanctions if they fail to address these violations.
The NDPC revealed that a preliminary investigation had uncovered a case involving a content creator who reportedly positions herself along busy roadsides in Lagos State to secretly film unsuspecting passers-by for what she describes as a “reality show.”
However, the commission stressed that its findings indicated that the practice neither serves a legitimate public interest nor qualifies as acceptable media activity.
The regulator emphasized that while digital content creation continues to grow rapidly in Nigeria’s vibrant online economy, creators must operate within the boundaries of the law and respect the privacy rights of citizens.
The NDPC also urged Nigerians to be more aware of their data privacy rights and report cases where their images or personal information are captured and published without permission.
The warning signals a tightening regulatory environment for Nigeria’s booming social media content industry, where street interviews, pranks, and reality-style recordings have become popular tools for attracting online audiences.
Industry observers say the move by the NDPC could reshape how creators produce public content, pushing them toward obtaining proper consent and adhering to responsible digital practices. 📱⚖️
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