At present, some schools do not allow photos or video recordings
to be taken by parents because they fear that the taking of such
pictures will breach the Data Protection Act.
Not so, says the ICO. Photographs taken purely for personal use
are exempt from the Act. This means that parents, friends and
family members can take photographs of their child and friends
participating in school activities for the family album and can
film events at school.
Only photos taken for official school use, such as identity
passes, are covered by the Act, says the ICO, which warns that
pupils and students should always be made aware as to why the
photographs are being taken.
Photographs taken by the media are usually exempt from the
Act.
"Our good practice guidance gives clear advice to schools about
when data protection does and doesn't apply," said Assistant
Commissioner Jane Durkin, "It is common sense that parents should
be able to take photographs of their child at sports day. The Data
Protection Act doesn't stop them."
