“Think before posting online”, experts urge as data privacy risks grow

As digital platforms continue to dominate communication, commerce, and social interaction, experts are raising fresh concerns about escalating data privacy risks thereby urging individuals to be more intentional about what they share online.

From social media activity to mobile app usage and online registrations, users generate vast amounts of personal data daily which is often with limited awareness of how that information is collected, processed, or monetised.

Analysts warn that this growing digital footprint is increasing exposure to identity theft, cybercrime, and reputational damage and every interaction online contributes to a data trail,

The issue is not just the data platforms collect, but the volume of information users willingly disclose without caution.

Rising exposure in a hyper-connected world

The widespread adoption of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok has made real-time sharing seamless.

However, cybersecurity professionals caution that oversharing such as posting travel plans, home addresses, or financial milestones can provide valuable intelligence for malicious actors.

In Nigeria, where internet penetration and smartphone usage have surged, risks are amplified by relatively low awareness of data protection practices.

Although regulatory frameworks such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act exist, experts say enforcement and public education are still evolving.

Data misuse and breaches remain a concern

Recent global incidents involving data breaches and misuse have revealed vulnerabilities within digital ecosystems.

Even with improved platform security, human behaviour continues to be a critical weak point. People tend to trust platforms with their data, but information can easily spread beyond intended audiences through screenshots, third-party apps, or even close contacts.

Mobile applications also contribute to the risk, often requesting extensive permissions ranging from location access to contacts and storage which raises questions about how much user data is being harvested behind the scenes.

Experts practical safeguards

Adedayo Akande, specialist solutions architect at 54pay Technologies, warned that information once considered private is now frequently shared online, creating opportunities for exploitation by bad actors.

He advised users to verify that financial platforms comply with standards such as PCI DSS and Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), limit personal information on social media, and prioritise encrypted messaging platforms when sharing sensitive details.

He also recommended strengthening device security through strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, while avoiding the storage of sensitive financial data such as card numbers or CVVs on personal devices or email accounts.

Joel Adefidipe, associate in Telecommunications, Media and Technology, and Capital Markets at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, emphasised that digital footprints are now an unavoidable part of modern life.

According to him, individuals actively and passively share data through activities such as form submissions, browsing habits, and wearable devices.

These data points can be aggregated to create detailed personal profiles, which may be used for commercial targeting, manipulation, or unauthorised disclosure.

“Privacy is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity,” Adefidipe said. “Entities that hold your data can often build a more accurate picture of you than you realise.”

He noted that Nigeria’s legal framework including the 1999 Constitution and the Nigeria Data Protection Act places obligations on organisations to handle personal data responsibly. He, however, stressed that individuals must also take ownership of their digital presence.

A call for digital caution

Experts agree that while it is unrealistic to disconnect from the digital world, users can take proactive steps to reduce risk.

These steps include limiting the amount of personal information shared online, reviewing privacy policies, disabling tracking tools such as cookies where possible, and delaying real-time posts that reveal current locations.

“Privacy starts with you,” Adefidipe added. “Every piece of information you share contributes to a broader profile of who you are and managing that footprint carefully is essential.”