Posts by Amelia Vance
Beyond Commercialization Concerns in Student Privacy
This week’s newsletter focuses on a new report from Human Rights Watch. I decided to write it because this report joins many others from student privacy advocates that focus nearly exclusively on commercialization risks.
When student privacy reports focus again and again on advertising technology as the major threat to student privacy, stakeholders overlook other insidious privacy harms. The likely result of the report will be a series of articles about how student privacy is in crisis and there are not enough laws and companies are bad. That may draw attention to this issue, but it also means that other really important student privacy issues could fall by the wayside.
Read MoreThe Week in Child & Student Privacy
Welcome to my newsletter! As many of you know, I’ve been running a student privacy newsletter since 2015, and wanted to continue the tradition as I kick-off my consulting business at PIPC. You can subscribe to my newsletter on Revue (via Twitter), LinkedIn, or access a tracking-free version* here on PIPC.tech. I’ll be at IAPP’s…
Read MoreThis Week in Child & Student Privacy
What I’m Reading 1. Minnesota Pushing Bill That Says Websites Can No Longer Be Useful For Teenagers | Techdirt What’s Happening This bill “says that any social media platform with more than 1 million account holders (and operating in Minnesota) cannot use an algorithm to recommend content to users under the age of 18.” As the…
Read MoreMy New Adventure
I have some exciting news: after 5 incredible years at FPF, I have started up my own consulting practice! My new venture – Public Interest Privacy Consulting (pipc.tech) – focuses on supporting and advising school districts, government agencies, non-profits, companies, and policymakers on all things child and student privacy. I’ll still be available in my…
Read MoreStudent Data Privacy and Data Ethics Scenarios
Teachers deal with a lot of sensitive student information – but receive very little training on student data privacy and ethics. Our team at the Future of Privacy Forum, led by Juliana Cotto, a former educator, has developed an incredible new resource to help close this gap: a set of 99 real-world scenarios spanning classroom…
Read MoreThe Privacy and Equity Implications of Using Self-Harm Monitoring Technologies
Today, my personal labor of love is released: “The Privacy and Equity Implications of Using Self-Harm Monitoring Technologies: Recommendations for Schools.” This report is deeply personal to me: I have depression and anxiety. If this technology had existed while I was in high school, I would almost certainly have been flagged and watched for potential…
Read MoreNew Resource: When Schools Share Data with Afterschool Programs
As schools and districts navigate another immensely challenging school year, they are rightly pursuing every available avenue to mitigate learning loss and support students in and out of the classroom. Afterschool programs can be terrific allies and resources for schools and students, and having a thoughtful data sharing agreement in place between the school and…
Read MorePrivacy & Pandemics Educator Training: Video Classrooms
School is back in session this fall, and many students – and educators – are continuing to adjust to the realities of remote learning. Teachers quite understandably have a lot of questions, especially around the use of video classrooms, but may not be able to find clear or easy answers. Can I record my classes?…
Read MoreMarketplace: With all this new tech in remote schooling, what are the privacy implications?
Marketplace is taking on the intersection of technology and education every week this fall, “because Monday mornings are way more complicated than they used to be.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, and was proud to be the guest for a recent discussion about how student data is collected, stored and used. Read the…
Read MoreWSJ: Remote Learning During Pandemic Brings Privacy Risks
What are the privacy risks associated with the apps and tools that your child is using this fall for remote learning? Greater than many educators and parents realize: more than half of the apps recently tested by the International Digital Accountability Council shared data with third parties. But “regulatory gray areas” have left schools unsure…
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