Warnings about big tech data collection as schools shift to online learning during pandemic

As millions of students across the country transfer to online learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, several senators are calling on the federal government to develop guidance that protects student data and privacy.

U.S. Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) penned a joint letter to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and leaders at the Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday warning the Trump administration about how the shift to online learning comes with serious considerations, The Washington Post reports.

“Student privacy must not fall by the wayside as the current pandemic moves learning from the classroom to online offerings at home. Across the globe, school closings have greatly increased students’ reliance on platforms and services that facilitate remote learning on laptops and devices,” the senators wrote, adding, “These tools hold the promise of facilitating continued learning while students are forced to stay home, and we encourage educators and institutions to continue to implement innovative solutions to meet the current challenges facing our education system.

MORE: https://www.lifezette.com/2020/03/warnings-about-big-tech-data-collection-as-schools-shift-to-online-learning-during-pandemic/

Warnings about big tech data collection as schools shift to online learning during pandemic