Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned employees and organisations against uploading sensitive information to publicly available artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, citing potential risks to data privacy, cybersecurity, and information security.
The advisory highlights growing concerns over the use of AI chatbots and generative AI tools in workplaces, where users may inadvertently submit confidential documents, personal information, financial records, proprietary business data, or other sensitive materials. According to NITDA, such practices could expose organisations to data leaks, unauthorised access, compliance violations, and other security risks.
The agency urged organisations to establish clear guidelines for using AI tools and ensure employees understand the potential consequences of sharing confidential information on public platforms. It also encouraged users to review the privacy and data-handling policies of AI services before submitting information and to avoid entering sensitive or classified data into systems that are not specifically approved for secure organisational use.
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NITDA’s warning comes amid increasing adoption of AI technologies across both the public and private sectors. As businesses and government agencies integrate AI into daily operations, regulators worldwide have emphasised the need for responsible AI use, stronger data governance, and safeguards to protect sensitive information.
The agency reiterated that while AI can improve productivity and efficiency, organisations must balance innovation with protecting confidential data and complying with applicable privacy and security requirements.
AI Writer
Bio: Joseph Michael is an MBA graduate in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a passionate tech enthusiast. As a professional writer and author at AIbase.ng, he simplifies complex AI concepts, explores digital innovation, and creates practical guides for Nigerian learners and businesses. With a background in marketing and brand communication, Joseph brings clarity, insight, and real-world relevance to every article he writes.