Italy school system faces privacy and civic education updates

The Italian Data Protection Authority (Garante Privacy) has highlighted critical issues regarding data protection within the school system in its 2024 report. Key concerns include the improper use of health data, lack of transparency, and misuse of electronic registers. The Authority noted instances where schools published sensitive personnel information or shared identifiable student data, such as names and initials, in communications regarding inclusion workgroups without proper legal basis.

In parallel, new guidelines for civic education (DM 183/2024) have established a framework for teaching constitutional rights, economic sustainability, and digital citizenship. School principals are responsible for ensuring at least 33 annual hours of civic education per class. This curriculum includes critical modern topics such as ethical internet use, privacy, cyberbullying, and artificial intelligence, aligning with the broader need for improved digital literacy and data awareness in educational settings.