Abstract
The increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making processes has posed alarming concerns regarding privacy in the digital era. For Nigeria, this paper has a doctrinal focus on the intersection of privacy law and policies and AI decision-making. It investigates how personal data is collected, processed, and utilised through AI systems, their impact on existing privacy measures, and the gaps that threaten data protection. The study examines the approaches undertaken by the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa, which are known for having advanced technology alongside data privacy laws. The UK’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)-inspired framework, the US’s sectoral approach to privacy, and South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) provide valuable insights into balancing technological innovation with privacy safeguards. The paper argues that Nigeria’s current data protection regime, as outlined in the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), is insufficient to address the complexities of AI-driven decision-making. Drawing lessons from these jurisdictions, the study recommends strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework, enhancing institutional capacity, and promoting public awareness to safeguard privacy rights in an AI-dominated era. This research contributes to the discourse on privacy protection in developing countries and offers actionable policy recommendations for Nigeria.
Keywords: AI-driven decision-making, Right to privacy, Digital age, Artificial intelligence (AI). Data Protection, Privacy Concerns.