Federal Laws that Protect Student Data
– The foundational federal law on the privacy of students’ educational records, FERPAÌýsafeguards student privacy by limiting who may access student records, specifying for whatÌýpurpose they may access those records, and detailing what rules they have to follow whenÌýaccessing the data.
– PPRA defines the rules states and school districts must follow when administering tools likeÌýsurveys, analysis, and evaluations funded by the US Department of Education to students.ÌýIt requires parental approval to administer many such tools and ensures that school districtsÌýhave policies in place regarding how the data collected through these tools can be used.
– COPPA imposes certain requirements on operators of websites, games, mobile apps or online services directed to children under 13 years of age, and on operators of other websites or online services that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information online from a child under 13 years of age.