What is Personal Data?

..and why should you care?..

Author

Iyanuoluwa Alarape
May 07, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

What is Personal Data?

Personal data is any information that can be used to identify you either on its own or when combined with other details.

It really is as simple as it sounds. However, the implications of its misuse can be massive.

To start with, lets take a look at a few examples of Personal Data:

  • Your full name

  • Date of birth

  • BVN, NIN, or voter’s card number

  • Email or phone number

  • Health records

  • Passport or driver’s license

  • IP address, location data, or even your browsing history

Technology has made personal data collection more widespread than ever, with personal information stored in a variety of places. For instance, web applications, social media platforms, employers, or healthcare providers might all have data about a given person stored in digital form. 

Small Actions = Big Consequences

Everyday, Nigerians give away their data without even realising it. We do it when we:

  • Fill out forms to attend weddings or events

  • Apply for loans using popular apps

  • Sign up for giveaways or promos online

  • Connect to “free Wi-Fi” in airports or malls

  • Allow apps to access contacts, messages, or our microphone

We’ve become so used to clicking “I agree” or handing over our phone numbers that we hardly stop to ask: What exactly am I agreeing to?

These seemingly innocent steps can create real problems down the line. Ever wondered why you’re getting spam calls from strangers in different parts of Nigeria or, unsolicited marketing texts from Fintech’s you never signed up for?

Worse still, some people have experienced loan apps messaging every single person on their contact list, calling them a debtor. Absolutely embarrassing? I agree!!

The real questions to be asked are:

  • How did they get your information?

  • Did you give them permission?

  • If you did, did they even tell you what they’d use it for?

  • What does the law say about this?

These are not just moral questions but they’re legal ones too.

OOPPSS: Did You Accidentally Consent?

Here’s the shocker!!! A lot of your data is being used, and even sold “legally” because you tapped “Accept” without reading the terms.

Those long, boring privacy policies or consent documents ring a bell? Hmm Yeah, I thought so too. That’s exactly where you gave them permission; buried in legalese and because most of us never bother to read these documents, organizations get away with far more than they should.

You Have the Right to Ask Questions

Did you know that you actually have the right to ask questions before you give out your data whether online or in person? You are legally allowed to ask:

  • Why is this data being collected?

  • What will it be used for?

  • Who will have access to it?

  • Will it be shared with third parties?

  • Can I ask for it to be deleted?

Some people might think you’re “doing too much,” especially in Nigeria, (and let’s be frank, getting concrete answers to these questions might be very far fetched because things have operated this way for far too long without being questioned, but you're actually protected by law.)

What Laws Protect you in Nigeria?

There are several regulations in Nigeria that protect your data. However, the main law that relates to data protection in Nigeria is the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA): It is Nigeria’s main law that governs how personal data is collected, stored, shared, and deleted.

Under the NDPA, organizations are legally required to:

  • Get your clear consent before collecting or using your data;

  • Tell you what they’re using it for;

  • Give you the right to delete or correct your data;

  • Protect your data from theft, loss, or unauthorized use; reduce these risks, there are various security measures you can take to manage your cookie settings:

While most companies might not bother explaining what they’re doing with your data or often bury this in confusing legal jargon, it is both your right and responsibility to understand what data is being collected and why. #Be CyberSmart

We’ll keep breaking these concepts down in ways that are simple and practical.

We Want To Hear From You

Have you ever felt like your data was misused?
Drop your story in the comments or send us a message.

IYANUOLUWA ALARAPE

Iyanuoluwa is a Nigerian-qualified lawyer with a strong interest in digital privacy, data protection, and regulatory compliance. She currently works as a Senior Generative AI Business Analyst, where she leverages her expertise to drive digital transformation initiatives across diverse regions including the UK, Ireland, Bulgaria, and India. Her work centers on the strategic integration of AI technologies within complex, large-scale organizations.

Passionate about the intersection of law, technology, and ethics, Iyanuoluwa actively explores topics such as artificial intelligence, data privacy, and cybersecurity. In her spare time, she writes thought pieces aimed at simplifying digital rights and promoting responsible tech adoption.

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