{
  "id": 12157495,
  "title": "Dubai schools tighten photo and video rules to protect pupil privacy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/dubai-schools-tighten-photo-and-video-rules-to-protect-pupil-privacy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T13:14:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/05/dubai-schools-tighten-photo-and-video-rules-to-protect-pupil-privacy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai's schools have issued new guidelines reminding parents to refrain from taking photos or videos that capture other children or staff members without their consent on school premises. These rules apply to classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, assemblies, and drop-off and pick-up areas. Parents are also discouraged from sharing such images on social media platforms without permission. The objective is to safeguard children's privacy while allowing families to capture meaningful school moments. A circular sent to a Dubai private school advises that photography will be permitted at designated events, but clearer guidelines will be provided on when and where photos can be taken. The school ensures that photography will continue under established consent and safeguarding procedures. The school expressed appreciation for parents' efforts in maintaining a safe, respectful, and privacy-conscious environment for all children.\n\nFederal law prohibits the processing of personal data without consent, except in specific circumstances. Dubai private schools are obligated to safeguard pupils' rights and protect them under the emirate's regulatory framework. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority's guidelines consider photography as a privacy concern. Their current protocols for private schools prohibit photographing pupils in vulnerable situations and taking photos during emergencies. Parents interviewed by The National generally supported the tightened rules, especially considering the ease with which images can be disseminated online. Jenita Clara, a parent at Gems Legacy School, emphasized the importance of respecting everyone's right to privacy. She also suggested designated photography areas or specific opportunities for parents to capture pictures of their children. Verkha Bhatia, a parent at Dubai British School, agreed with the measures but acknowledged the difficulty in controlling photography at busy events. She noted that while some schools already limit photography or make certain events camera-free, a complete ban may be unrealistic for parents who wish to preserve memories of their children.",
  "summary": "Schools in Dubai have reminded parents to avoid taking photos or videos that capture children other than their own, or staff, without their consent on campus. The guidance applies to classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, assemblies, and school drop-off and pick-up areas. Parents are also asked not to share images or videos featuring other pupils on social media, WhatsApp groups or other online…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Dubai schools tighten photo and video rules to protect pupil privacy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/dubai-schools-tighten-photo-and-video-rules-to-protect-pupil-privacy-12161185",
        "published": "2026-10-05T13:14:07.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}