DPDPA Myths Schools Still Believe and Why It’s Time to Let Them Go

DPDPA Myths Schools Still Believe

Since the introduction of India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), many schools have heard about new responsibilities around consent, data security, and parent rights. Yet despite growing awareness, a number of myths still shape how schools respond to the law.

These myths often create unnecessary fear, delay action, or lead schools to believe they are compliant when they are not. The reality is simpler—and far more manageable—than many institutions assume.

This blog breaks down the most common DPDPA myths schools still believe, and explains what the law actually expects.

Myth 1: “DPDPA Is Only for Big Tech Companies, Not Schools”

This is the most common misunderstanding.

DPDPA applies to any organisation that collects or processes personal data, including schools, playschools, colleges, and universities. Educational institutions handle some of the most sensitive data of all, children’s information, which places them firmly within the scope of the law.

Schools are not exempt because they are non-commercial or education-focused. In fact, because they deal with minors, their responsibility is higher, not lower.

Myth 2: “We Already Take Consent in Admission Forms, So We’re Covered”

Many schools believe that a single consent clause in an admission form is sufficient. Under DPDPA, it is not.

Consent must be specific, informed, purpose-based, and revocable. This means parents should know exactly what they are consenting to—photos, videos, apps, communication platforms and must be able to withdraw consent later.

Generic or bundled consent does not meet this standard. Schools need clearer, more transparent consent workflows that reflect real usage.

Myth 3: “Sharing Photos in Parent Groups Is Safe”

Schools often assume that sharing photos only with parents poses no risk. In reality, group-based sharing is one of the biggest privacy vulnerabilities in education.

Photos shared in WhatsApp or similar groups can be forwarded, downloaded, stored indefinitely, or accessed by unintended viewers. Under DPDPA, accidental exposure still counts as a data protection issue intent does not reduce responsibility.

The law encourages controlled, purpose-limited sharing, not open distribution.

Myth 4: “We Don’t Store Data Long-Term, So Deletion Isn’t a Concern”

Many schools believe data naturally disappears once the academic year ends. In practice, data often remains stored across devices, drives, emails, and apps—without anyone tracking it.

DPDPA requires schools to delete personal data once its purpose is fulfilled, unless retention is legally required. This means schools must actively review and clean up old records, photos, and documents. Ignoring data retention is not the same as complying with it.

Myth 5: “Our Vendors Are Responsible for Data Protection”

Schools increasingly rely on ERPs, LMS platforms, apps, CCTV vendors, and communication tools. A common myth is that once data is handed to a vendor, responsibility shifts to them.

Under DPDPA, this is incorrect.

Schools remain accountable for how student and parent data is handled even by third parties. This means schools must review vendors, ensure contracts include privacy safeguards, and monitor ongoing compliance. Vendor trust without verification is a major risk.

Myth 6: “DPDPA Compliance Will Create More Work for Teachers”

Many schools hesitate to act because they fear compliance will burden teachers and staff. In reality, the opposite is often true.

Clear systems, defined processes, and privacy-first tools reduce confusion, prevent last-minute issues, and eliminate repetitive manual work. Teachers benefit when they no longer have to guess what is allowed or deal with parent concerns after mistakes happen.

DPDPA is about better structure, not more effort.

Myth 7: “If Nothing Has Gone Wrong Yet, We’re Probably Fine”

This is the riskiest belief of all.

Most data issues in schools are not discovered until a parent raises a concern, a photo circulates unexpectedly, or a request cannot be handled properly. By then, trust has already been affected.

DPDPA encourages preventive action, not reactive fixes. Waiting for something to go wrong is exactly what the law is designed to avoid.

What Schools Should Believe Instead

Instead of myths, schools should operate on a few simple truths:

DPDPA is about child safety and trust, not punishment
Clear consent reduces conflict
Secure systems reduce stress
Trained staff prevent mistakes
Transparency builds parent confidence
Compliance is achievable with the right support

When schools replace myths with understanding, DPDP becomes manageable and even beneficial.

Clarity Is the First Step to Compliance

DPDPA does not demand perfection. It demands intent, responsibility, and care. Schools that move past outdated assumptions and engage with the law honestly find that compliance strengthens their operations rather than disrupts them. The biggest risk is not the law itself it’s misunderstanding it.