Nigeria Joins 60 Regulators To Set Global Rules On AI-Generated Images
By TOSI ORE
Nigeria Joins Global Push to Regulate AI-Generated Images
NIGERIA has joined more than 60 international regulators in endorsing a set of standards aimed at curbing the misuse of artificial intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images and videos.
The initiative seeks to address rising global concerns about deepfakes and other forms of AI-generated content that can be used to spread misinformation, create defamatory material or produce non-consensual imagery.
The move was announced by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in a statement issued in Abuja by Babatunde Bamigboye, the agency’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations.
According to the statement, the effort was coordinated by the Global Privacy Assembly through its International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group.
Rising Concerns Over AI Abuse
Regulators across multiple jurisdictions have raised alarm over the rapid growth of AI tools that can generate highly realistic images or videos of identifiable individuals.
Authorities warn that such technologies can be exploited to produce harmful or deceptive content, including deepfake videos, fabricated photographs, and non-consensual intimate imagery. Children and other vulnerable groups have been identified as particularly at risk.
To address these threats, participating regulators agreed that organisations developing or deploying AI systems must adopt strict safeguards. These include ensuring transparency in the use of AI technologies, providing mechanisms for individuals to request the removal of harmful content, and complying with applicable privacy and data protection laws.
The NDPC said the joint commitment forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to promote responsible innovation in the country’s growing digital ecosystem.
Nigeria’s AI Governance Framework
Nigeria has been developing regulatory frameworks to manage emerging technologies while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
The NDPC referenced the country’s existing guidelines requiring developers to embed privacy protections into AI systems from the design stage.
The commission also cited the leadership of Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in driving the country’s national approach to artificial intelligence through the development of a comprehensive AI strategy.
According to the statement, the NDPC’s regulatory tools, including the General Application and Implementation Directive, require organisations to apply “privacy by design” and “privacy by default” principles in the development and deployment of AI technologies.
Monitoring Compliance
The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, said the commission would rely on Compliance Audit Returns submitted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act to monitor adherence to responsible AI practices.
The NDPC reaffirmed its commitment to balancing technological innovation with the protection of citizens’ privacy rights.
It said collaboration with international regulators would help ensure that Nigeria remains aligned with global standards while addressing the risks associated with emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
