The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined 60 other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing the “Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy,” reinforcing global efforts to address privacy risks linked to artificial intelligence tools.
The Joint Statement was coordinated by the Global Privacy Assembly through its International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG). It reflects rising global concerns about AI systems capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.
The statement warns against the misuse of AI-powered tools to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory materials, and other harmful content, particularly targeting children and vulnerable groups. It calls on organisations to adopt robust safeguards, ensure transparency in AI deployment, establish effective content removal mechanisms, and comply strictly with data protection laws.
According to Babatunde Bamigboye, NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Nigeria’s endorsement forms part of broader national efforts to promote responsible AI use. He referenced ongoing initiatives led by Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including the development of a National AI Strategy.
The commission also highlighted its General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which mandates privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of AI systems.
Vincent Olatunji, NDPC National Commissioner and CEO, directed that Compliance Audit Returns under the Nigeria Data Protection Act will serve as a benchmark for monitoring responsible AI-driven data processing across the country.
The move signals Nigeria’s alignment with international standards on data protection and ethical AI governance.
