Michaelidou stresses importance of data protection

Education Minister Athena Michaelidou on Friday stressed the importance of data protection for internet users.

Speaking at a prize-giving ceremony for a painting competition, she said the protection of personal data is becoming ever more important in the modern era, “with the ever-increasing use of the internet and services it provides.”

She added that digitisation in all areas of human life and the widespread use of social media have also made the matter increasingly pertinent in modern society.

“In this context, our ministry … has developed and communicated to schools a specific policy for the implementation of regulations regarding personal data, emphasising the protection of children’s personal data,” she said.

She said special emphasis had been placed on children’s personal data as “children may not be aware of risks and consequences, as well as of their rights.”

A total of 29 paintings were submitted in the painting competition, 10 of which were submitted by middle school students and 19 by high school students.

Winners were announced for both middle school and high school students, with first place in each category winning €150, second place receiving €100, and third place receiving €50.