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France Éducation International DELF exam privacy breach

Mon, 2 Feb, 2026

Edmonton Public Schools has learned from France Éducation International that the GAEL platform, which they use to manage Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) exam registrations, was targeted by a cybersecurity incident in January 2026.

This incident has potentially compromised the personal data of students worldwide who have taken the exam since 2005. Any Division students or teachers who registered for the exam throughout that time may be impacted.

What information is affected?

According to France Éducation International, personal information affected by the breach includes: surname, first name, city and country of birth, date of birth, nationality, primary language and email address. No other personal information, such as addresses or phone numbers, was accessed in the breach.

About the DELF

The Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF) exam is managed by France Éducation International. It is an internationally recognized diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify French language proficiency.

The DELF is optional for students learning French in Edmonton Public schools. Families opt-in for their child to take the exam. Only students who previously registered for the DELF are potentially impacted by the breach.

Information from France Éducation International

France Éducation International has indicated that they will be reaching out directly to past and present students whose data may have been accessed. They have set up an online Frequently Asked Questions for the most up-to-date information about the incident. The FAQ says they have met all necessary safety conditions to re-open the GAEL platform.

If you or your child has written the DELF exam since 2005, you are advised to be especially cautious of unexpected or suspicious messages.