Dubai Schools Tighten Rules to Protect Student Privacy
Schools in Dubai have warned parents against taking photographs or recording videos of other pupils and school staff without their consent. The tightened rules apply to classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, school assembly areas and pupil drop-off and pick-up zones. Parents have also been asked not to share images featuring other pupils on social media, WhatsApp groups or other online platforms without permission.
In a circular sent to parents, a private school in Dubai stated that photography would continue to be permitted at designated events, but clearer rules would be introduced on where and when photographs could be taken. Under United Arab Emirates (UAE) federal law, the processing of personal data without authorisation is prohibited, while Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) also regards photography as a significant privacy concern.
Parents have generally welcomed the stricter rules, citing concerns about how quickly images can spread online. Although enforcing the restrictions fully at crowded school events may prove challenging, such measures are considered necessary to safeguard pupils’ privacy and safety.