FG Warns Against Unauthorized Public Video Sharing

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a warning to social media users and content creators regarding the unauthorized capture and sharing of images and videos of unsuspecting individuals in public spaces, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Meta. This warning, articulated by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), highlights that such actions violate Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

The NDPC's preliminary investigation revealed that many recordings serve no public interest and lack legal justification, as they do not meet the requirement for explicit consent from the individuals depicted. Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the NDPC, emphasized that content creators risk legal liability if they fail to obtain consent.

Furthermore, Babatunde Bamigboye, head of legal enforcement at the NDPC, reiterated the government's commitment to enforcing privacy laws, warning that violations could lead to criminal prosecution for infringing on citizens' privacy rights.