UAE schools enforce strict photography bans to protect student privacy

Private schools in Dubai and Sharjah are implementing stricter regulations regarding photography and videography on campus to protect student privacy. New circulars issued to parents and visitors request that they refrain from capturing images or videos in areas such as classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, assemblies, and drop-off zones where other students or staff might be recorded without consent.

Schools have specifically instructed parents not to share any media containing other students on digital platforms, including WhatsApp groups and social media. The International School of Choueifat in Sharjah has taken a particularly firm stance, stating that taking photos or videos on regular school days is strictly prohibited.

These measures align with the UAE’s Federal Decree Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data, which regulates the processing of personal data without consent. Additionally, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) protocols recognize that photographing students in vulnerable situations constitutes a violation of their privacy.