Press Releases and Statements

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FPF Statement on Privacy and Wearables

A new report released today by the Center for Digital Democracy and the School of Communications at American University focuses on privacy and wearables. As a recent HHS report made clear, the data collected by most wearables is not regulated to the same degree as information you provide to your doctor. But several mechanisms have ensured that many health and fitness apps respect users’ data – the leading app platforms impose strong privacy requirements, barring sale of sensitive data and requiring enhanced notice.

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Future of Privacy Forum Comment Regarding Senator Bill Nelson’s Report, “Children’s Connected Toys: Data Security and Privacy Concerns”

Today, Senator Nelson’s office released a report outlining several privacy and security implications of “connected toys” that the office identified based on conversations with six major toy manufacturers. The report emphasizes the unique sensitivity of children’s personal information; urges toymakers to build privacy and security into their toys from the inception; and suggests that the FTC has authority to monitor and bring enforcement actions under Section 5 and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

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New Survey Finds Parents Support School Tech and Data, But Want Privacy Assurances

Washington, DC – Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) released a new survey, Beyond One Classroom: Parental Support for Technology and Data Use in Schools. The survey asked parents to comprehensively outline their goals and concerns about the use of technology and student data. Their answers, and the conclusions that can be drawn from them, should inform the debate regarding local, state, and national policies concerning K-12 education and data use.

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Privacy Papers 2016: Spotlight on the Winning Authors

The winners of the 2017 PPPM Award are: Law Enforcement Access to Data Across Borders: The Evolving Security and Human Rights Issues; Accountable Algorithms; The Privacy Policymaking of State Attorneys General; Privacy of Public Data; and Privacy and Data Security Harms. The Finalist Judges also selected four papers for Honorable Mention on the basis of their uniformly strong reviews from the Advisory Board.

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Seven Basic Security Checks for Evaluating Educational Platforms

FPF has produced a checklist to assist parents and schools in considering the “basics” of security standards on new ed tech products and services they may be considering or using. In on-line security, there is unfortunately no “one size fits all” solution, but with so many products and services available, this checklist is designed to provide some initial key triggers of areas that either meet a basic threshold, or might serve as discussion points for further review with the company involved.

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FPF Guide to Student Data Protections Under SOPIPA: For K-12 School Administrators and Ed Tech Vendors

We are pleased to announce that we are publishing the FPF Guide to Student Data Protections Under SOPIPA: For K-12 School Administrators and Ed Tech Vendors. Co-written with education privacy experts Linnette Attai of PlayWell LLC, Amelia Vance of the National Association of State Boards of Education, and David B. Rubin, Esq., this document provides a in-depth analysis for ed tech companies.

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FPF Hires New Policy Counsel – Amelia Vance

We are thrilled to welcome Amelia Vance to Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) as of November 7, 2016, as Policy Counsel. In this position, Amelia will lead FPF’s work to ensure the responsible use of student data and education technology in schools, helping educators with resources and information, and seeking inputs from all stakeholders to ensure students succeed.

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Future of Privacy Forum Welcomes New Leader for Student Data Privacy Program

Washington, DC – Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) announced that Amelia Vance has joined the organization as Policy Counsel. Her portfolio includes student privacy for K-12 and Higher Education environments, and education technology initiatives. Vance leads FPF’s work to ensure the responsible use of student data and education technology in schools, helping educators with resources and information, and seeking inputs from all stakeholders to ensure students succeed.