Nigeria has joined over 60 global regulators to establish stringent standards for AI-generated imagery, aiming to curb deepfakes and non-consensual content.

This is contained in a statement issued by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations of 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 said the decision came following a growing global concern over privacy risks associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.

Part of the concerns raised included 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 called on organisations 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 formed part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to promote responsible use of AI technologies.

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 mandated privacy by design and privacy by default in the development and deployment of AI systems.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, in the statement also said 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.