Introduction
The Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA) is a significant privacy law that impacts how educational technology (edtech) providers handle student data. Enforced starting January 2016, SOPIPA ensures that student information is used solely for educational purposes, prohibiting practices such as targeted advertising and the sale of student data. This law applies to a wide range of K-12 online services, including websites, apps, and other digital tools used in educational settings. Educators must understand SOPIPA to effectively evaluate the privacy practices of the tools they use in the classroom, ensuring a safe learning environment for their students.
Key Features:
- Data Protection: SOPIPA mandates that edtech providers protect student data and use it only for educational purposes.
- Vendor Compliance: Schools can ask vendors if they comply with SOPIPA, ensuring that student information is handled responsibly.
- Guidance for Educators: The law provides educators with a framework to assess the privacy practices of the tools they integrate into their teaching.
Use Cases:
- Evaluating Edtech Tools: Teachers can use SOPIPA as a guideline to choose safe and compliant educational technologies.
- Promoting Digital Citizenship: Understanding SOPIPA helps educators teach students about data privacy and responsible technology use.