Nigeria has joined 60 other countries in endorsing a global agreement aimed at protecting individuals’ privacy from the misuse of artificial intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images and videos.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission became a signatory to the “Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy”, coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly.
The statement addresses concerns over AI-powered tools being used to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups.
The initiative calls on organisations to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency, provide effective content removal mechanisms, and fully comply with applicable data protection laws.
The endorsement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to responsible AI use and the protection of citizens’ privacy,” the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said. “Compliance audit returns from major data controllers and processors will serve as a yardstick for monitoring responsible AI use in Nigeria.”
The development aligns with the country’s broader push on artificial intelligence under the National AI Strategy, championed by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani. The NDPC has also issued the General Application and Implementation Directive, which mandates privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of AI tools.
The move places Nigeria among the leading nations globally taking active steps to prevent AI misuse, promote accountability, and protect the privacy of citizens in the face of rapidly advancing technologies.
By: Justice Okamgba
