When EdTech Meets Privacy: Navigating Compliance and Maximizing Impact
Series (Part 1 of 4) — Guardians of Student Data: Rethinking Privacy in the Age of AI
Classrooms are changing fast. Digital tools from interactive apps to AI-powered tutors are opening up exciting new ways to learn. For students, this can mean more personalized learning and real-time feedback. But behind every login, every quiz submission, and every click, data is generated, often very sensitive data.
The intersection of improved student outcomes and the processing of their personal information is precisely where privacy becomes a genuine concern
Understanding the Rules:
When it comes to student data in the US, two federal laws are foundational:
- FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Protects the confidentiality of student education records and gives families certain rights over that information.
- COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act): Regulates the collection of personal information from children under 13, requiring parental consent and secure handling practices.
On top of those laws, many states have their own rules. For example, California, New York, and Colorado all have laws that regulate how student data can be collected, stored, and shared. Plus, more and more states are seeking to regulate the use of AI, particularly where it may have substantial impact on individuals. For EdTech companies, this creates a complex patchwork of obligations that can feel burdensome and overwhelming.
Why Privacy Matters Beyond Compliance:
Privacy isn’t just about following the laws. It’s about TRUST. Schools, teachers, and parents expect classroom tools to be safe for students. When a company has clear data practices, it not only reduces legal risk but it can also strengthen relationships with the people who use and rely on its products.
Practical Considerations:
Here are some ways EdTech companies or anyone involved in student data can think about privacy without slowing down innovation:
- Map your data: Know what data is collected, where it’s stored, who has access to it, and with which third parties it’s shared.
- Limit data collection: Only gather what’s necessary for the tool to work.
- Be transparent: Have a clearly defined purpose for processing student data, and clearly communicate how student information is used and protected.
- Review vendors and partners: Verify that third parties with which you will share student data have strong privacy and personal data security practices in place.
Approaching privacy intentionally doesn’t just reduce risk; it can make products safer and more reliable for everyone.
Looking Ahead:
In the next post, we’ll dig into how AI is reshaping classrooms, and why understanding the flow of student data in AI-driven tools is essential for both privacy and trust.
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
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