Cameras in Albanian schools: questions parents can ask

2026-10-16

As the school year starts, AI-enabled cameras in schools are a topic many parents are asking about. This guide summarises what has been said publicly, which standards apply and how to ask institutions questions.

This guide is informational and is not legal advice. It does not claim that any institution has broken the law. Such findings are for the IDP Commissioner and the courts.

What is publicly known about cameras in schools?

According to media reports and official statements, the Smart City programme of the Ministry of Interior and the State Police includes smart cameras in the first 20 schools in Tirana. Officials present the system as a measure for safety and for preventing violence. According to reports, the cameras are connected to a monitoring centre and to the State Police.

Camera numbers differ between sources. For an overview see the list of schools (in Albanian) and what we know about Smart City.

Which standards apply to children's data?

• Law No. 124/2024 on the protection of personal data, aligned with the GDPR.
• Directive (EU) 2016/680, on processing by police authorities, which serves as a reference point.
• Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, on private life.
• The principle of the best interests of the child under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In practice, European standards expect surveillance to be necessary, proportionate and transparent. Extra care is usually expected where children are concerned. See also EU standards for surveillance (in Albanian).

Questions parents can put to institutions

These are questions, not accusations. In many cases the answers are not yet public.

1. Has a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) been carried out and published for school cameras?
2. Where are the cameras placed, inside or outside buildings, and do they cover classrooms, toilets or changing rooms?
3. How long is footage kept, and who can access it?
4. Is facial recognition used, or can it be switched on?
5. Do the vendor or third parties have access to the data, and where is it stored?
6. Are there information signs for pupils, parents and visitors?
7. How are searches of the footage logged, and who audits them?

How can I put these questions?

1. Right-to-information request. Under Law No. 119/2014 you can write to the Ministry of Interior, the State Police or the school. See the guide to information requests (Albanian).
2. Access request. If you believe footage of your child has been stored, see how to request camera footage of yourself.
3. Complaint. If you get no answer, you can turn to the Commissioner. See how to complain to the IDP (Albanian).

Where can I see camera locations?

Publicly known camera locations are on the map. We do not map cameras inside schools or buildings, nor people, faces or plates.

A note for institutions

Modex Apps hopes to work with Albanian institutions. Publishing a DPIA and retention rules would give parents clear answers and strengthen trust in the system.