Legal risks of school WhatsApp groups regarding minor privacy

As the school year begins, experts are warning parents about the legal risks associated with school-related WhatsApp groups. Organizations such as Legálitas and the Asociación Española de Consumidores emphasize that these digital spaces are subject to strict privacy and data protection laws.

Sharing images, videos, or academic information of minors without explicit parental consent can lead to legal consequences, ranging from financial fines to potential prison sentences. Because a child's image and personal data are protected, disseminating such content in group chats can violate privacy rights.

To mitigate risks, experts recommend using invitation links rather than adding members manually to respect privacy. Additionally, these groups should be used exclusively for educational information. Using them to post negative comments about teachers, schools, or other parents may result in civil or criminal liability for libel or slander.