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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined more than 60 global Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing a Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy, signalling growing international concern over the privacy implications of artificial intelligence technologies.
The initiative, coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly, focuses on addressing emerging risks associated with AI tools capable of generating highly realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.
According to the statement, the rapid development of AI-powered image and video generation tools has increased the potential for misuse, including the creation of non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials. Regulators noted that such risks could disproportionately affect children and other vulnerable groups.
The joint declaration urges organisations deploying AI technologies to implement strong privacy safeguards, ensure transparency in the use of AI systems, and provide effective mechanisms for removing harmful or unlawful content. It also emphasises the need for full compliance with applicable data protection laws across jurisdictions.
Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, Babatunde Bamigboye, stated that Nigeria’s participation in the global initiative reflects ongoing efforts to promote the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence within the country.
He noted that the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to strengthen AI governance. In particular, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, under the leadership of Bosun Tijani, has spearheaded the development of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy aimed at guiding ethical and responsible AI adoption.
The NDPC has also issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which requires organisations developing or deploying AI systems to incorporate privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default principles throughout the lifecycle of AI solutions.
National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, further stated that compliance monitoring will play a critical role in ensuring responsible AI practices.
According to him, compliance audits conducted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act will serve as a key mechanism for evaluating how data controllers and processors handle personal data in AI-driven processes. Specifically, Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) submitted by organisations classified as data controllers and processors of major importance will be used to assess adherence to data protection standards.
The NDPC noted that continued collaboration with international regulators is essential to addressing the complex privacy challenges posed by emerging technologies, while ensuring that innovation in AI development remains aligned with global data protection principles.
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