The Saxony Data Protection and Transparency Authority (SDTB) has expanded its frequently asked questions (FAQ) to provide guidance on the processing of personal data in schools.

The new guidelines address digital communication, specifying that teachers must not use messaging services such as WhatsApp for professional purposes, nor their private accounts to transmit official information or student data. An alternative is the messaging function of the educational platform provided to public institutions. The document also warns that sending emails with an open recipient list may constitute unlawful data disclosure and a notifiable data breach. Furthermore, discussing individual cases during parent meetings is prohibited without explicit and free consent.

Video recordings in class are also addressed and are only permitted under very strict conditions, with student consent generally considered invalid due to the authority relationship, and completely excluded for assessments. The FAQ further clarifies the conditions for transmitting personal data to bodies such as the youth welfare office or the regional school and education office, recommending thorough documentation or anonymized presentation of situations. These additions complement earlier guidance on photography and videography at school events.