Tuesday, February 11, 2025
HomeNewsSchools Crisis Meeting with Data Commissioner on Students Photo Guidelines

Schools Crisis Meeting with Data Commissioner on Students Photo Guidelines

Penalties Imposed on Institutions for Violating Privacy Rights by Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait

Schools Crisis Meeting with Data Commissioner on Students Photo Guidelines

The Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) has requested a meeting with the Data Commissioner, Immaculate Kassait to discuss the guidelines and precautions to take when dealing with online or printed photographs of children.

Commissioner Kassait stated on Hot 96 on Wednesday that the meeting will increase compliance despite the fact that parents continue to express concern over schools sharing their children’s photographs online without their consent.

During the interview, Kassait reiterated that publishing images of children online exposes them to risks such as cyberbullying, particularly for young children.

ALSO READ: Government Blocks Diploma Holders From Ksh750M Projects

Kassait emphasized the issue by referencing a recent case in which the agency fined three institutions Ksh9.4 million for violating privacy rights.

Kenyan Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait provided an address at a previous event.

A Kiambu County school was given a fine of Ksh4.5 million for posting a photograph of a minor without parental consent.

According to Kassait, this will serve as a strong warning to facilities that handle photographs of minors.

To ensure that Kenyan institutions in various industries respect data privacy, the Data Commissioner explained that her office has drafted Guidance Notes that clarify all privacy-related concerns and issues.

ALSO READ: Experts Advocate for Climate Change Integration in Education Curricula

She says the issue surrounding schools is particularly sensitive due to the involvement of children. Dealing with children necessitates a higher level of caution because it involves their guardians as well.

In this specific case, children’s images are posted online and subsequently on TikTok for commercial purposes without the consent of their guardians.

These are children who need protection from our society. Exposing children’s images can subject them to various risks, including the misuse of artificial intelligence in Europe to manipulate images in inappropriate ways.

Therefore, extreme care is essential in handling such situations. However, I acknowledge that we live in a culture of sharing, which poses a significant challenge for many schools.

ALSO READ: TSC Identifies 54-Year-Old Colonial Laws and Manual Systems Causing Teachers Pension Delays

In addition, the Data Commissioner explained why she fined a nightclub Ksh1.8 million for publishing a reveler’s image without permission.

Kassait explained that the amount of the sanction is dependent on the severity of the infraction when determining the figure.

They also consider factors such as the frequency of the offense and whether the school takes corrective action following information about it.

By the time any institution gets a fine, there have been nearly 90 days of discussion; it is not an instant sanction. “If we determine that a violation has occurred, we provide a 30-day notice to remove the posters or resolve the issue. If you do not comply, we will implement sanctions,” she added.

ALSO READ: KUCCPS Releases KMTC Course Application Results; How to Check

Schools Crisis Meeting with Data Commissioner on Students Photo Guidelines

RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -

Most Popular

error: Content is protected !!