Nigeria has officially joined a global effort to tackle harmful AI-generated content, including deepfakes and synthetic imagery, signalling a growing commitment to privacy protection in the age of artificial intelligence.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) endorsed a Joint Statement on AI‑Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy, alongside more than 60 data protection and privacy authorities worldwide. The move aligns Nigeria with global regulators working to mitigate the risks posed by AI-generated media.
“The rise of AI technologies offers immense opportunities, but it also brings serious privacy challenges,” said Sunday Thomas, NDPC Director General. “By joining this initiative, Nigeria demonstrates its commitment to protecting citizens from non-consensual imagery, deceptive content, and other abuses enabled by AI.”
The joint statement, coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly, highlights key concerns such as non-consensual intimate imagery, misinformation, and content that threatens children or vulnerable individuals. Participating countries have pledged to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, share best practices, and collaborate on cross-border complaints.
While Nigeria has not yet introduced new domestic laws specifically targeting AI-generated content, experts say the country’s participation in the global initiative signals a proactive approach to AI governance. According to privacy analyst Amina Yusuf, “This is a significant step that places Nigeria on the map of countries taking responsible AI seriously. It’s about balancing innovation with accountability.”
The NDPC’s move comes amid growing global concern over the rapid proliferation of generative AI technologies, which can produce highly realistic images and videos that are increasingly difficult to distinguish from real media. By joining international efforts, Nigeria aims to protect citizens’ privacy, ensure responsible use of AI, and strengthen the enforcement of data protection standards.
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