Data protection: You have to keep this in mind when it comes to children’s photos on the internet

Children's photos on the internet, children, school, school bag, school enrollment, back to school

Children’s photos can quickly become a critical issue on the Internet – especially when it comes to data protection. We will therefore tell you what you should consider before posting such photos online.

When the start of school is just around the corner, it’s not just the sugar bag and school bag that needs to be spruced up. Relatives and acquaintances also polish the lenses on cameras and smartphones to a high shine.

Because when starting school, photographic evidence must not be missing. In the past, many films were probably snapped and the photos ended up in the family album or picture frames in the grandparents’ closet.

In the age of digital photography, however, back-to-school photos quickly end up online, for example in statuses on WhatsApp or stories on Instagram. But when it comes to children’s photos on the Internet, there are a few things to consider when it comes to data protection.

Data protection: You should pay attention to this when it comes to children’s photos on the Internet

If the school enrollment ceremony only takes photos that are intended for the photo album, there are no concerns from a data protection perspective. However, it becomes problematic when social networks come into play, as Bettina Gayk, data protection officer for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, warns.

If photos or videos are uploaded to social media, they cannot simply be posted publicly. Here the photographers would generally have to use closed user groups or password-protected areas.

“On this special day, the focus is of course on having fun, but you should also not forget to consider the interests of others,” explains the data protection officer. If other people are involved, special consideration must be exercised.

You cannot assume that everyone agrees to be photographed or filmed and to find the images and films on the Internet. Data protection rightly sets limits here.

Recommendations for taking photos in schools

This is probably particularly easy to implement at your own celebration in a family setting. However, data protection must also be taken into account on school grounds.

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Schools could, for example, set up photo zones for this purpose, says Gayk. Then it would only be allowed to take photos or film in these areas of the school grounds.

“Schools can ask relatives to use the recordings exclusively for family purposes. You are particularly safe with regard to data protection if consent is obtained before recording.”

Photo zones in particular have a decisive advantage: people who want to avoid taking photos of themselves can avoid these areas.

Gayk recommends that schools themselves obtain consent from parents. This is especially true if the institution itself wants to upload photos to the website or social networks.

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The article Data protection: This is what you have to keep in mind when it comes to children’s photos on the Internet by Maria Gramsch first appeared on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.



As a Tech Industry expert, data protection is a critical issue that must be carefully considered, especially when it comes to children’s photos on the internet. It is essential to prioritize the safety and privacy of children when sharing their images online.

Parents and guardians should be cautious about posting photos of their children on social media or other online platforms, as these images can potentially be accessed and used by strangers without their consent. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and take measures to protect children’s personal information.

One way to ensure data protection for children is to carefully review and adjust privacy settings on social media accounts to limit who can view and share photos. Additionally, parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about the importance of online safety and the potential risks of sharing personal information online.

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Overall, data protection for children’s photos on the internet is a crucial consideration in today’s digital age. It is essential to prioritize the safety and privacy of children and take proactive steps to safeguard their personal information online.

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