Google Apps - Photo storage

[HC_Netman]

Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere I had a look but couldn't find anything. If it has then please just link me to the correct place.

 

Since Google has now given us unlimited storage for all our users we wanted to start to make a bit more use of it. One of the suggestions from the powers that be is that our event/trip photos could be moved to Google rather than taking up space on our network. I am all for getting rid of these photos from the network but I was wondering what you guys thought about the privacy aspect of doing this with Google Apps.

 

The photos in question are of students - past and present - but there are no names associated with them.

 

Do any of you already do this?

 

This page https://www.google.com/edu/trust/ makes it sound like its pretty secure but I don't just want to blindly upload photos of our students and then have it come back and kick us in the face.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Cheers

[IrritableTech]

Some light reading...

 

Information and Advice on Taking Photos in Schools - ICO

Can I Send Personal Data Overseas? | ICO

http://ico.org.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/topic_guides/online/~/media/documents/library/Data_Protection/Practical_application/cloud_computing_guidance_for_organisations.ashx

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cloud-software-services-and-the-data-protection-act

https://drive.google.com/a/google.com/folderview?id=0B4froD7RGVqtaFlKc3VnTHF0THc&usp=sharing#

 

The short answer is yes - you are allowed to do this as long as you've completed a suitable risk assessment and that your data subjects are informed, but don't take my word for it - Your school needs to do the research so you are happy you are compliant. Don't forget you will need to ensure your ICO register entry includes statements to suggest information you may transfer information over seas but this will be done in accordance of the DPA.

 

Information is now transmitted to and stored encrypted on googles servers. Although there is a fair bit of mistrust around the company, they have done almost everything possible to ensure data is safe.