Parents who want to take photos of their children in school
plays or at sports days can once again snap happily away.
The privacy watchdog says authorities that have banned parents
taking shots for the family album are wrongly interpreting
the rules.
Relatives wanting to take pictures at nativity plays, sports
days or other public events are often told that doing so would
breach the Data Protection Act.
But the Office of the Information Commissioner has said this
interpretation of the law is simply wrong.
It decreed that any picture taken for the family photograph
album would normally be acceptable.
This guidance can now be used by parents and grandparents
to challenge 'barmy' rulings relating to the upcoming school
sports day season.
Deputy Information Commissioner David Smith said: 'We recognise
that parents want to capture significant moments on camera.
'We want to reassure them and other family members that whatever
they might be told, data protection does not prevent them
taking photographs of their children and friends at school
events.



