WCED: Sharing videos of school fights a violation of POPIA
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has described the images and video clips of violent school fights making the rounds as deeply disturbing.
Picture: © smolaw11/123rf.com
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has described the images and video clips of violent school fights making the rounds as deeply disturbing.
In one incident, a girl is seen being assaulted by other pupils.
The department said officials were in contact with the identified schools.
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Department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said sharing these videos is a violation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
"Sadly, we have been informed of a WhatsApp channel that actively posts incidents involving learners being abused has been created. This can cause irreparable harm to the alleged victims."
Hammond added that POPIA had specific conditions for processing children's personal information.
"Now this platform is operating without the necessary POPIA requirements. The WCED therefore has written to the Information Regulator and has lodged a complaint against the WhatsApp channel that is sharing such disturbing imagery. We will also engage with the South African Police Services on this matter."