Once upon a time, you could go to work, clock out, and leave your private life… well, private. Today, that line is disappearing — and technology is a big part of the problem.
The shocking scandal at Access Bank, where a staff member allegedly recorded over 400 secret videos of naked colleagues — reportedly to sell on platforms like OnlyFans and Telegram — isn’t just a rogue employee gone wild.
It’s a wake-up call for every company operating in the digital age.
Because here’s the truth: When smartphones double as hidden surveillance tools, and when social media rewards outrageous content, no workplace is truly safe anymore unless serious safeguards are in place.
The easy story is blaming one individual. The real story is harder — and scarier: Workplace privacy protections have not evolved to match modern digital risks.
In most African companies today:
- Employees bring smartphones with high-res cameras everywhere.
- Offices lack real protocols for device use in sensitive areas.
- Victims have no clear reporting channels or guaranteed legal recourse.
Combine these gaps with Telegram’s encrypted groups and the growing ease of uploading anonymous content to sites like OnlyFans, and you have a ticking bomb.
This isn’t paranoia. It’s happening right now.
Why Smart Companies Should Act Fast
Companies that want to survive in a digital-first world need to stop treating privacy as optional. They need to invest in:
- Stronger internal surveillance policies
- Secure zones (no phones allowed in restrooms, locker rooms, wellness centres)
- Employee education on digital rights and risks
- Swift, transparent action when incidents occur — not silent damage control
Because in the end, it’s not just about protecting their brand. It’s about protecting people — their dignity, their trust, their futures.
A leaked nude can destroy someone’s career before it even begins. A single viral clip can undo years of reputation-building. If companies think the cost of implementing stronger privacy measures is high, wait until they see the cost of public lawsuits, mass resignations, or being labelled unsafe workplaces.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
The Access Bank scandal must not be treated as an isolated horror story. It must be treated as a symptom of a broken system — and a call for urgent reform.
Because in the age of hidden cameras, encrypted apps, and platform monetisation, your body, your privacy, and your life can be stolen without you even knowing.
If workplaces don’t evolve, privacy at work won’t just be endangered. It will be dead.
