The ICO often provides us very beneficial posts about the newest regulation updates and what would we need to be careful for. There are certain situation that might happen during data sharing processes, so we are sharing one of the most important blogs shared recently about sharing personal data in an emergence for universities and colleges.
Starting university or further education can be an exciting time, but for some it can also be a difficult and anxious transition.
We know that universities and colleges work hard to provide support to students who are struggling. That means that universities often have to handle sensitive personal information about them. And we are aware that, sometimes, universities are hesitant to share students’ personal data in an urgent or emergency situation, citing data protection as the problem. That should not be the case.
Put simply, university staff should do whatever is necessary and proportionate to protect someone’s life. Data protection law allows organisations to share personal data in an urgent or emergency situation, including to help them prevent loss of life or serious physical, emotional or mental harm.
The ICO’s approach has always been to be a pragmatic and proportionate regulator. That means the ICO does not seek to penalise organisations for acting in good faith and in the public interest in an urgent or emergency situation.
To help universities and colleges feel confident they can share people’s information lawfully, we have set out some practical steps:
We recognise that this does not resolve all the issues around students’ personal data where there is a mental health concern, but we hope it will go some way towards it by busting data sharing myths.
We will continue to work with universities, educational bodies and parents to reassure them that data protection law enables data sharing to save lives and protect young people.
Check this blog and share your thoughts about it.