NDPC Aligns with 60 Global Regulators to Curb AI-Generated Image Abuse

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has joined 60 other Data Protection Authorities worldwide in endorsing a Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy.

The endorsement signals Nigeria’s alignment with global regulatory efforts aimed at curbing the misuse of artificial intelligence technologies capable of generating highly realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.

The joint initiative was coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly, reflecting growing concerns over the privacy risks posed by advanced generative AI systems.

Regulatory concerns

According to the Commission, the move underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight as generative AI tools become increasingly sophisticated and accessible.

Regulators expressed concern over the misuse of AI-powered systems to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups.

The joint statement calls on organisations to implement robust safeguards, ensure transparency in AI deployment, provide accessible content removal mechanisms, and comply strictly with applicable data protection laws.

Nigeria’s compliance measures

The Commission noted that its endorsement forms part of broader efforts to promote responsible AI deployment within the country.

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has directed that Compliance Audit Returns submitted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act will serve as a benchmark for evaluating responsible AI usage in data processing.

Under this directive, data controllers and processors classified as entities of major importance must demonstrate through audit submissions that AI-driven processing activities comply fully with the provisions of the Act.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, previously led efforts toward developing a National AI Strategy to guide ethical and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.

Additionally, the Commission issued the General Application and Implementation Directive, which mandates privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default principles in the development and deployment of AI tools.

For regulators globally, the increasing realism of AI-generated content has complicated enforcement efforts, particularly in cases involving impersonation, deepfakes, and identity manipulation.

Nigeria’s participation in the joint statement signals a stronger commitment to international cooperation in confronting emerging digital risks while strengthening domestic compliance mechanisms.