Sports day pictures are fine

Released 30/06/2010

Guidance from Information Commissioner's Office states images from school events are fin and schools should adopt 'common sense'

Capturing the moment your child crosses the finishing line at their school sports day does not break the law. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is reminding schools that they cannot hide behind data protection myths to prevent parents from taking photos of their children at school events.

David Smith, deputy commissioner and director of data protection, said: "A photo of your child at their first school production or winning the 100m race on sports day preserves precious memories.

"The Data Protection Act in no way stops parents from taking such photos. A common sense approach should be taken to photography at school events.

"Photos for personal use, such as family albums, are not covered by the Act. Schools that cite the Act to prevent parents from taking pictures are wrong."

The Information Commissioner's Office has produced guidance for local education authorities and those working within schools, colleges and universities explaining that the Data Protection Act is unlikely to apply in many situations where photographs are taken for personal use.

The Data Protection Act does apply to photographs taken for official use by schools and colleges and stored with personal details, such as names. In cases such as these, a common sense approach would suggest that if the photographer gains permission to take a picture, this will usually be enough to ensure compliance.

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