Privacy by Design in EdTech:

In practical terms, Privacy-by-Design in EdTech should include these considerations:

• Collect only personal data that’s necessary: Design the tool to minimize data collection and avoid storing anything that isn’t essential for its functionality.
• Transparency for users: From the start, plan how to clearly communicate what personal data is collected, how it will be used, and who can access it.
• Strong data governance built in from the start: Design secure storage, regular audits, and predefined procedures for data retention and deletion directly into the system, rather than attempting to bolt them on later.
• Team awareness: Provide privacy training and guidance early so that developers, educators, and staff understand privacy responsibilities and let these considerations shape design decisions.

This approach helps developers make sure that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of student safety.

Why It Matters:

Privacy is increasingly a deciding factor for schools, districts, and parents when considering the use of EdTech products. Tools that demonstrate thoughtful, proactive privacy practices are more likely to be trusted and adopted than those that lack these considerations.

When privacy is part of the foundation, not an afterthought, it supports:

• Safer learning environments
• Clearer communication with families
• Confidence among educators and administrators

Ultimately, thoughtful privacy practices reflect a company’s values, not just compliance.

Practical Steps for Teams:

Even without privacy expertise, EdTech development teams can take action:

• Map the data collected and understand its purpose;
• Review third-party integrations for security safeguards and compliance;
• During development, draft clear, accessible user guidance that support good privacy practices; and
• Integrate privacy roles and responsibilities into the design process so that developers, staff, and educators understand privacy considerations as the tool is built.

These steps embed a culture of privacy into everyday operations, making products safer and more reliable.

Final Thoughts:

Innovation and privacy aren’t opposites; they work together to create effective and safe EdTech products. By embedding privacy from the beginning, EdTech companies can build tools that are:

• Safe for students;
• Transparent for parents and educators;
• Flexible across changing laws; and
• Trustworthy and sustainable in the long term.

When privacy is treated as a core principle rather than an afterthought, it becomes part of the product’s value, protecting students and strengthening trust in the process.

If you’d like to discuss children’s privacy or student data protection in EdTech — or have questions about this post or your organization’s privacy practices — contact tiffany.soomdat@tueoris.com

— Tiffany A. Soomdat, MSL, CIPP/US • Senior Consultant @ Tueoris LLC