Ed-Tech Industry Weighs Impact of New Data-Privacy Laws

Gov Jerry Brown (D-CA) signed into law a sweeping bill aimed at restricting the use of students' educational data by third-party vendors. The measure is one of the most aggressive legislative attempts to date to balance the promise of digital learning technologies with concerns about the privacy and security of children's sensitive information.

The new law in California caps a wave of efforts this year by state lawmakers nationwide to better protect students' sensitive educational information. The new privacy measures, enacted in 21 states during recent legislative sessions, in some cases build on previous efforts. The new laws generally fall into one of three categories: prohibiting the collection of certain types of student data; attempting to improve state and district data-governance policies; or, in California's case, establishing comprehensive guidelines for how third-party vendors should handle student information. Amid the flurry of activity, the impact on educational technology vendors remains uncertain. Industry representatives have mostly expressed public support for the laws that were enacted and shared only mild concerns about possible downsides.