The Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia has issued a statement addressing claims made by a representative of the opposition party “Strong Georgia” regarding the role of data protection officers in public schools.
According to the opposition, the introduction of these officers is intended to “control the school community.” However, the Ministry refutes this claim, stating that the requirement aligns with European Union regulations and is designed to strengthen data protection measures in educational institutions.
The Ministry explained that, as of June 1, 2024, amendments to Georgia’s Law on Personal Data Protection mandate that all public schools, like other public institutions, appoint a data protection officer (DPO). This measure aims to ensure compliance with data processing laws and minimize the risks of unlawful data handling, in line with high international standards.
The statement underlines that the role of the DPO includes assisting schools in understanding their legal obligations regarding data protection and providing guidance to ensure compliance. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that personal data is processed only when legally justified, with strict security measures in place. Additionally, the DPO will serve as a point of contact for citizens seeking information on how their personal data is handled within schools.
The Ministry stressed that this requirement is particularly significant for schools, as they process minors’ personal data and must uphold the highest standards of data protection. Schools unable to independently recruit a DPO may request assistance from resource centers, which will assign a qualified staff member to fulfill the role. ”This practice aligns with existing procedures, as resource centers have previously assigned legal experts to schools for legal assistance,” the statement says.
The Ministry condemned the opposition’s statements as ‘misleading and politically motivated,’ accusing them of deliberately spreading disinformation to undermine trust in the education system.
