A SCHOOL in Oxford has banned USB flash drives to meet data protection laws.

The Cherwell School in Summertown scrapped use of the memory sticks on Monday, stating in a newsletter: "The use of USB’s and any external drives will not be permissible within school for both staff and student due to GDPR guidelines.

"We will be putting together a video guide so staff can see how to use alternative ways of transferring files between home and school using Home Access Plus or Google drive."

The EU's strict GDPR rules came into force in May 2018 and schools have had to adapt practice to comply.

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A report by the Information Commissioner's Office, which guides the public on topics including data protection, advises organisations to restrict access to USB ports.

It stated in a report last year: "The GDPR requires organisations to put appropriate technical and organisational measures in place to ensure the security of personal data.

"USB ports and other drives that can be used for removable media should be locked down.

"Staff with legitimate reasons could be granted the ability to use certain ports and encrypted removable media should be used."