Student Privacy Pledge – Hits 250 with Launch of New Site!

The Student Privacy Pledge, a public commitment by education technology companies for the responsible handling of student data, has reached the milestone of 250 signatories. We are also pleased to announce the launch of the newly re-designed Student Privacy Pledge website. The site, studentprivacypledge.org, now provides more information, including a Frequently Asked Questions section, and is easier for visitors to navigate, find signatory companies, and inquire about signing the Pledge.

The K-12 Student Privacy Pledge was introduced by the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) in October 2014 with 14 original signatories and took effect in January 2015 as a legally enforceable agreement for companies that provide services to schools. The twelve specific commitments in the Pledge detail ongoing industry practices that both meet the demands of families and schools and track key federal and state laws. By signing the Pledge, school service providers clearly articulate their adherence to these practices to schools and parents regarding the collection, use, maintenance, and retention of student data.

As we enter 2016, we have seen a rapid increase in inquiries and companies taking the Pledge, which continues to provide accountability for signatory school service providers. The result is a bolstering of the public trust necessary for continued technology access for school operations and student learning – technology that is critical to the nation’s continued educational and economic competitiveness.

The Pledge adds to an existing framework of student data protections, which also include existing laws, contracts, and company privacy policies. A company’s security and other commitments made under the Student Privacy Pledge are legally enforceable under Section 5 of the federal Consumer Protection Act.

“The sustained support and interest in the student privacy pledge demonstrate the commitment education service providers have to protecting student information. As many states have passed legislation on this issue, the strength of the Pledge and its commitments show the providers’ awareness of community expectations in addition to their legal responsibilities.”

– Mark MacCarthy, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)

FPF and SIIA are proud to facilitate the efforts of education technology companies to lead in the responsible use of student data by signing the Student Privacy Pledge. We look forward to a continuing increase in the number of companies joining this effort and agreeing to be held publicly accountable to the safeguards embodied in the Pledge.

Read the full text of the Student Privacy Pledge here.