The Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information

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“Parent blogger” — disclose everything for a little attention?

Strichmännchen mit Schutzengel
Source: strichfiguren.de - Adobe Stock

Are you also a parent blogger? Notwithstanding all the fun and pride of presenting your offspring on the Internet, you should always keep possible consequences for your children in mind. Often, parent bloggers film just for fun their children in intimate and even sometimes in embarrassing situations. What seems funny to us adults can endanger your children's privacy and violate their personal rights. Always remember that your children also have personal rights and a right to their own image, which you are not completely free to dispose of.

Be careful not to show your children unprotected on the beach, in the bathtub or at the doctor’s after accidents. Your supposedly harmless everyday depictions can be misused on the so-called dark net for depictions of sexual violence. Do not post any picture of your child on social networks. Be aware of your high responsibility! The best interests of the child should be paramount. Children between the ages of zero and six cannot yet make their own decisions about their data. It is your responsibility to decide for your children. Even if they are your children, as a parent blogger you are publishing third party data. Remember, with each post you make, there is a possibility that you increase the risk of your child being recognized or identified. Be mindful of the legitimate interests of your minor children.

A child's so-called ability to understand begins at the earliest at the age of seven. When children understand what happens with their photos and videos and what consequences this can have. From this point on, you should let your children have a say in the decision-making process. And if they do not want their images to be used, respect this decision of your children.

From your posts, third parties may be able to compile your child's entire life. Your child may even be identified via the publications in the social networks.

It is often sufficient to reveal your child's first name, because for the last name and place of residence, it is only required to click on your imprint. All other information can be obtained from the many Internet videos uploaded by you as parents. Whoever wants to do so, will find information about the date of birth, school enrollment or hobbies.

If you, as a user, publish your own personal data via a social network, you are exercising your own informational self-determination. Always keep in mind: How are your children supposed to exercise their self-determination and experience what intimacy means if you take away all their privacy in the children's room out of thoughtlessness? Protecting your children's data starts with you as parents.