NITDA Urges Nigerians: Guard Sensitive Data from Growing AI Risks

Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued an urgent public advisory, warning citizens about the serious risks of sharing sensitive personal data with popular Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. The agency, through its Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT.NG), highlighted that information uploaded to these AI tools could be retained, logged, or used to train their models, potentially exposing users to identity theft and financial fraud. The warning comes as more Nigerians increasingly rely on AI chatbots for tasks ranging from schoolwork to business and health queries, often unknowingly submitting critical details such as National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), bank account details, and medical records. NITDA emphasized that once this sensitive information is entered into an AI system, individuals may lose direct control over it, making them vulnerable to severe consequences if a data breach occurs. Beyond privacy, the agency also raised concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated responses, which can be confident but factually incorrect, leading to potential harm in critical areas like health or finance. To mitigate these growing risks, NITDA advises users to anonymise or pseudonymise sensitive information before inputting it into AI platforms and to carefully review the platforms' privacy and data-handling terms. For organisations, the directive includes implementing robust AI governance policies, defining approved tools, and ensuring compliance with existing data protection frameworks. As the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) continues to review its data protection framework to address emerging AI technologies, continuous vigilance and adherence to these safety tips will be crucial for navigating Nigeria's evolving digital landscape safely.