A victory for common sense

It would be fair to say that Big Brother Watch has had a number of run-ins with the Information Commissioner over the last few months but, with the festive seasons draws ever-closer, it's time to give credit where credit is due.

The Commissioner this morning has issued a statement confirming that parents ought to be free to photograph their children in nativity plays without the fear of being told to desist by school staff worried about violating the Data Protection Act.

Christopher Graham's statement is worth quoting in full:

"Having a child perform at a school play or a festive concert is a very proud moment for parents and is understandably a memory that many want to capture on camera.

"It is disappointing to hear that the myth that such photos are forbidden by the Data Protection Act still prevails in some schools.

"A common sense approach is needed. Clearly, photographs simply taken for a family album are exempt from data protection laws.

"Armed with our guidance, parents should feel free to snap away this Christmas and stand ready to challenge any schools or councils that say 'bah, humbug' to a bit of festive fun"

Amen to that.  Happy Christmas, Chris!

Comments

[R McConnell]

This is fine, but does it also cover the Child Protection Act stopping you taking a photo if it includes someone else's child and you do not have their permission to photograph that child. Extending this to videos and mobile phones, many productions will have music which is subject to copyright and you cannot, therefore, video the performance because of copyright laws. Then there is the danger arising from the use of flash photography when children are on a stage - momentarily blinded they could fall off. A victory over the Data Protection Act, maybe, but Staff will still be stopping parents from taking photos and videos at the school play.

[Purlieu]

McConnell you are being sarcastic yes ? Otherwise we'd all just better stay at home wrapped up in cotton wool

[Frances Sabey]

Working at a theatre that has many child performances we have this problem all the time.It seems silly to stop parents photographing their own children and at a school I cant see how anyone who shouldn't be there can get in. However the way we get round it is to video peformances at dress rehearsal and take our own photos, this solves all the problems, and makes a bit of money for the societies. Surely this would work just as well at schools. Of course we had to get permission from each parent initially but I believe we do have to protect children until the internet starts policing paedophiles!