Nigeria has joined over 60 global regulators to establish stringent standards for AI-generated imagery, aiming to curb deepfakes and non-consensual content.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), on Wednesday in Abuja.
Bamigboye said the joint initiative was coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG) of the Global Privacy Assembly.
He explained that the move addresses growing global concerns over privacy risks posed by AI tools capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.
Focus on non-consensual and harmful AI content
Key concerns include the misuse of AI-powered tools to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly targeting children and vulnerable persons.
The statement urged organizations to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency in AI deployment, provide effective mechanisms for content removal, and comply strictly with applicable data protection laws.
The NDPC noted that the collaboration forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to promote responsible use of AI technologies.
National AI strategy and privacy by design
The official recalled that Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, had led the development of the National AI Strategy to guide the country’s approach to artificial intelligence.
The commission also referenced its General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), which mandates privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of AI systems.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, stated that Compliance Audit Returns (CAR) under the Nigeria Data Protection Act would be used to assess and monitor responsible AI use in Nigeria.
The NDPC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the privacy rights of Nigerians while supporting innovation in emerging technologies.
