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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined 60 other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) worldwide to endorse a Joint Statement aimed at tackling privacy abuses linked to Artificial Intelligence-generated imagery.
This was disclosed in a press release issued by NDPC Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, on Tuesday.
Bamigboye said the Joint Statement, coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG) of the Global Privacy Assembly, demonstrates growing global concern over the misuse of AI tools capable of producing realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.
According to the statement, AI-powered technologies are increasingly being used to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content and other harmful materials, with children and vulnerable groups identified as being particularly at risk.
The global regulators called on organisations deploying such technologies to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency in data processing, provide accessible content removal mechanisms and fully comply with applicable data protection laws.
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By aligning with the joint declaration, the country indicates its commitment to strengthening oversight of emerging technologies and protecting citizens from digital harm.
The Commission noted that the move forms part of a broader continuum of efforts by Nigeria to promote the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
It recalled that the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, had earlier led the initiative for the development of the National AI Strategy.
In addition, the NDPC issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which mandates “privacy by design” and “privacy by default” principles in the development and deployment of AI tools operating within Nigeria.
“The National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed that the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) by data controllers and processors of major importance will serve as a yardstick for monitoring and evaluating responsible use of Al for data processing in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The Commission emphasised that organisations handling personal data must take proactive steps to prevent misuse of AI systems and ensure that individuals’ privacy rights are not violated in the digital space.
