East Ayrshire Council has today launched an internal investigation over allegations they've broken the law on protecting the identity of vulnerable children.
Ayrshire Live can reveal that the local authority has launched a probe after a complaint was raised following the alleged publication of a vulnerable child’s picture on a school social media platform.
It is further claimed that this is the THIRD time the vulnerable child’s picture was used - without permission.
If proved, it could potentially constitute a breach of GDPR law, which governs data privacy and security.
East Ayrshire Council has been accused of “negligence” by concerned adult connected to the case.
The name of the school at the centre of the complaint has not been disclosed in order to protect the child's identity.
Today, the local authority acknowledged that an incident “took place” and they are conducting a “live investigation.”
Linda McAulay-Griffiths, Chief Education Officer said: “This matter has been brought to the attention of the Council’s Data Protection Officer who is currently investigating the incident and will follow up with the school when it reopens on Monday.
“I’d like to reassure all other parents and carers, and indeed the wider general public, that we do have appropriate arrangements and policies in place for managing social media across all our Council services - including Education - to ensure the safety and privacy of those involved.
“We regret any upset this incident has caused this family. We will take this opportunity to review these arrangements to prevent this from occurring again.
“On conclusion of the investigation, it would be our intention to meet with the family to share the outcomes and to provide assurances on future practices.”
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