Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined more than 60 data protection regulators worldwide in raising concerns about the growing misuse of artificial intelligence tools that generate fake images and videos of people.
The warning was issued through a 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 reflects increasing global concern about how generative AI technologies are being used to create realistic but false images or videos of identifiable individuals.
According to the regulators, the technology can easily be misused to produce non-consensual images, defamatory content, and other harmful digital materials, with children and vulnerable groups facing some of the highest risks.
In the statement, the authorities warned that the misuse of AI-generated imagery could have serious consequences for privacy and personal reputation if strong safeguards are not implemented.
“The misuse of AI-powered tools to generate non-consensual imagery, defamatory content and other harmful materials poses significant risks to individuals’ privacy and dignity,” the joint statement noted.
The NDPC said its participation in the global initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to promote responsible AI development and deployment in the country.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, had earlier led the development of the country’s National AI Strategy aimed at guiding ethical and responsible AI use.
Meanwhile, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said regulatory monitoring would be strengthened through compliance mechanisms under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
Olatunji stated that Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) submitted by major data controllers and processors will serve as a key tool for evaluating how AI systems are being used to process personal data in Nigeria.
