Model Privacy Policy

The Model Privacy Policy for Educational Institutions is a comprehensive framework designed by the Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) to guide schools, colleges, and universities in protecting the personal data of students, teachers, and staff. It establishes clear privacy principles grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of Pakistan (Article 14), emphasizing dignity, consent, transparency, and responsible data use.

The policy outlines institutional obligations for the collection, storage, access, and disclosure of personal, sensitive, and health information, ensuring compliance with the forthcoming Pakistan Personal Data Protection Bill (2020). It includes detailed provisions for virtual learning environments, mandating consent-based video recording, limited data retention, and gender-sensitive privacy safeguards during online classes.

In addition, the document sets forth mechanisms for complaints, redress, and accountability, encouraging educational institutions to conduct awareness sessions, provide digital literacy training, and uphold privacy as a fundamental right. The final section offers recommendations for policymakers and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to standardize privacy practices, improve staff training, and ensure digital equality across Pakistan’s education sector.