Nigeria has joined more than 60 countries in endorsing a global agreement aimed at protecting individuals from privacy violations linked to artificial intelligence technologies capable of generating realistic images and videos.
The agreement, titled the “Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy,” was coordinated by the Global Privacy Assembly through its International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group.
Nigeria became a signatory through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), reinforcing the country’s commitment to responsible AI governance and stronger data protection standards.
The global initiative addresses growing concerns about the misuse of AI-powered tools to create non-consensual images, deepfakes, defamatory content, and other harmful digital materials. According to the statement, such abuses often target children and other vulnerable groups.
Participating countries are calling on technology companies and organisations to introduce stricter safeguards, improve transparency in AI systems, establish effective mechanisms for removing harmful content, and ensure full compliance with data protection laws.
Speaking on the development, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, said Nigeria’s endorsement highlights its dedication to safeguarding citizens’ privacy in the digital age.
“The endorsement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to responsible AI use and the protection of citizens’ privacy,” Olatunji said, adding that compliance audit returns from major data controllers and processors would be used to monitor responsible AI use across the country.
The move also aligns with Nigeria’s broader artificial intelligence agenda under the National AI Strategy championed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
In addition, the NDPC has introduced the General Application and Implementation Directive, which requires AI developers and organisations deploying AI systems to adopt privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default principles.
By signing the global statement, Nigeria joins a growing list of nations taking proactive steps to curb the misuse of artificial intelligence while promoting accountability and stronger privacy protections in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
