Privacy and Student Data
Google Apps for Education use in the South Orange Maplewood School District is governed by federal laws and local school board policies.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) – FERPA protects the privacy of student education records and gives parents the rights to review student records. Under FERPA, schools may disclose directory information but parents may request the school not disclose this information. Parents are provided the opportunity annually to opt out of disclosing their student’s directory information utilizing this form. FERPA Information Can Be Found Here: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) – COPPA applies to commercial companies and limits their ability to collect personal information from children under 13. No personal student information is collected by Google for commercial purposes. The district’s use of student information is solely for educational purposes. Student information that is collected by Google is described as (projects, documents, emails, files, Google username, and Google password). COPPA Information Can Be Found Here: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule
SOMSD Acceptable Use Policy (Policy 2361) – This policy governs student technology / networked resource use in the school district. At the beginning of the school year, the policy is signed to allow students access to school technology resources. It is expected that students will operate within the parameters of the Acceptable Use of Computer Network / Computer and Resources Policy with regards to Google Apps for Education.
SOMSD & Single Sign On – In an effort to prevent students from having to manage multiple user names and passwords for various educational software packages, the district may enable a feature called Single Sign on. Single Sign On allows for a user to utilize their Google Apps for Education username and password to access a software package or resource.
Where can I find more information about Google's privacy policies?
What information is collected by Google? What are they doing with this information?
While using Google Apps for Education, Google may capture device information (operating system, hardware type, model). Additionally, google may capture IP address information and browser settings. These items are generally recorded to help further improve the Google Apps for Education platform and ensure compatibility across device types.
Additionally, Google may keep track of search history and application usage. This information may be used to provide features in Google Apps for Education such as search result suggestions.
Will there be advertisements in Google Apps for Education?
Google outlines, on their Google for Education trust center website, that the education version of Google Apps will not utilize advertisements. They also indicate that there are no plans to advertise to students in the future.
What 3rd parties will Google share student information with?
Google has strict privacy policies and guidelines regarding Google Apps for Education. Google has signed the national Student Privacy Pledge (Click Here). This pledge outlines guidelines for companies that provide services to students through an online education platform. Some of the pledge language states that participants:
- Will not sell student information.
- Will not not behaviorally target advertising
- Will use data for authorized education purposes only
In Google's privacy policy, it states that they do not share personal information with companies, organizations, and individuals outside of Google without the direct consent of the user. Google may share information with affiliates to help Google process data. These affiliates must comply with Google's privacy policy. In general, many Google affiliates are hired to help Google with ad-based monetization of their services.
What personal information will be shared with Google to create a GSuite account?
The district will provide the student's first name, last name, and district student number. No other personal information will be shared with Google by the district.