School enrolment photos: once normal, now a case for the GDPR
In the days of analog cameras, school photos were safer. But with cell phones, the pictures are quickly online. What to bear in mind.
The pride of every first grader: school bag and satchel.
(Image: Irina Wilhauk/Shutterstock.com)
Starting school marks the beginning of an exciting stage in a child's life. To capture these special moments, parents and relatives often want to take photos or videos. This was no problem with analog cameras, but when pictures are uploaded directly to Facebook, Instagram and the like using a smartphone, there is often no going back.
For this reason, there are a number of data protection aspects to consider when taking school photos in order to protect the personal rights of everyone involved. Parents and other relatives and acquaintances of the child must adhere to certain "rules of the game". Bettina Gayk, data protection officer for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, points this out.
Photography allowed, but with limits
In principle, it is permitted to take photos of your own child. This also applies if other children can be seen in the background, as long as the pictures are only shared with close family, friends or acquaintances. It becomes more difficult if the photos are to be distributed via social media. This is then only permitted in closed user groups or password-protected areas, according to a statement on the LfDI NRW website.
Consideration and consent
Consideration for other people is particularly important. "You cannot assume that everyone agrees to being photographed or filmed and to the images and films being found on the internet. Data protection rightly sets limits here," says Gayk.
Both parents and schools should obtain consent from other parents and pupils if they want to take photos and publish them. Schools should also inform themselves if they are planning to take and publish photos of school enrolments. With written consent – you are on the safe side if there are any disputes later on –. Further details on how to obtain effective consent can be found on the LfDI NRW website.
Photo zones
"Schools can, for example, set up photo zones and ask relatives to use the photos exclusively for family purposes," recommends Gayk. These are areas on the school grounds where photography and filming is permitted. They offer the advantage that those who do not wish to be photographed can avoid these areas.
If the images are to be made available online later, this can be done via password-protected portals – Third parties should not be able to access them.
(mack)