France Éducation provides security update for DELF exam participants

France Éducation International has notified the Black Gold School Division (BGSD) of a cybersecurity incident involving their GAEL platform, which is used internationally to manage DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) exam registrations. France Éducation International has advised that the incident occurred between January 9–12, 2026, and involved unauthorized access to certain personal information of DELF candidates worldwide, including historical records dating back to 2005.

What information was accessed?

The information that may have been accessed includes title, first name, surname, city and country of birth, date of birth, nationality, and primary language. 

No other personal information, such as home addresses, phone numbers, or financial details, was accessed.

How many people were affected?

The data of approximately 5.8 million people worldwide who have taken the exam since 2005 may have been accessed. This includes approximately 870 BGSD students, who have taken the exam since 2005. France Éducation International has contacted approximately 230,000 individuals directly where email addresses were available. 

What are DELF exams?

The Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) is the official French language proficiency exam of the Government of France. BGSD offers optional opportunities for French Immersion students to complete DELF exams in BGSD schools. Parents and guardians provide consent for their child to participate. Only students who previously registered for the DELF are potentially impacted by the breach.

Next Steps:

France Éducation International has notified the appropriate privacy authorities and launched an investigation. The students and other affected individuals were contacted directly by France Éducation international. Those who were not contacted were individuals whose data was not impacted.

France Éducation International advises those who may have been affected to be particularly vigilant if they receive unexpected or suspicious communications or messages. They have set up an online Frequently Asked Questions section for the most up-to-date information about the incident. The FAQ says they have met all necessary safety conditions to reopen 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.

Avis important : Incident de cybersécurité DELF (Élèves du BGSD)

France Éducation International a informé le Black Gold School Division (BGSD) d'un incident de cybersécurité ayant touché la plateforme de gestion des examens GAEL entre le 9 et le 12 janvier 2026.

Ce qu'il faut savoir :

• Élèves concernés : Cet incident pourrait impacter environ 870 élèves du BGSD ayant passé l'examen du DELF entre 2005 et 2025.
• Données visées : Les informations potentiellement compromises incluent le nom, la date de naissance, la nationalité et la langue maternelle.
• Sécurité : Les adresses résidentielles, les numéros de téléphone et les informations financières n'ont pas été consultés.

Recommandations : Nous conseillons aux parents et aux anciens élèves de rester vigilants face à toute communication ou message suspect. France Éducation International a déjà contacté par courriel les personnes dont les données ont été compromises.

Besoin de plus d'informations? Si vous avez des questions ou si vous avez besoin d'aide pour clarifier cette situation, veuillez contacter Alliance Française Edmonton.