BLOGS
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.
The 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…
This Week in Child & Student Privacy
What I’m Reading 1. Minnesota Pushing Bill That Says Websites Can No Longer Be Useful For Teenagers | Techdirt 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 Chamber of…
My 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…
Student 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…
The 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…
New 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…
Privacy & 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?…
Marketplace: 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…
WSJ: 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…
Wired: The lessons we all must learn from the A-levels algorithm debacle
What happens when you use an algorithm to assign grades? For hundreds of thousands of students in the UK, a “catastrophic failure.” Bravo to my colleagues at The Future of Privacy Forum, Pollyanna Sanderson and Sara Jordan, for their smart contributions to this WIRED story about what happens when you remove the human element from…
NYT: How to Protect Your Family’s Privacy During Remote Learning
Another round of online learning this fall brings the responsible use of cameras, passwords and other privacy and security issues to the forefront for many families. I was happy to share some advice and resources with The New York Times about how parents can help keep their kids safe online this fall, and what role…
