Microsoft signs pledge to protect student privacy

There are few companies who fail to find themselves under the privacy microscope at some point, but Microsoft is one that is the center of attention more than many. Whilst taking steps to allay fear about a keylogger in Windows 10, the company has signed the Student Privacy Pledge, joining big names from the world of education such as Follett, Learnmetrics, and Knovation. The pledge means that Microsoft will use personal information about students to help better tailor learning packages, but it won't be used for advertising, or sold to third parties.

Anthony Salcito, Microsoft's Vice President for Worldwide Education, announced the move at the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) launched the pledge to help protect students.

Salcito explains:

Student data should be used to improve education and help kids learn, not for other commercial purposes, like targeting kids with advertising. We’re proud to be among the companies announcing today a clear and public commitment to protect the privacy and security of information about school children.

The use of technology in the classroom is something that has been broadly welcomed, as has input and financial support from the likes of Microsoft. But privacy concerns always go hand in hand with any use of technology, particularly when children are involved. Even something as simple as using email to communicate information to or about students is something that is fraught with privacy concerns.

The pledge means that those who sign up to it will:

• Not sell student information
• Not behaviorally target advertising
• Use data for authorized education purposes only
• Not change privacy policies without notice and choice
• Enforce strict limits on data retention
• Support parental access to, and correction of errors in, their children’s information
• Provide comprehensive security standards
• Be transparent about collection and use of data

It already has the backing of not only big-name companies, but also politicians and schools around the US. Mark Schneiderman, senior director of education policy at SIIA, said: "We introduce this Pledge as a clear industry commitment to safeguard the privacy and security of all student personal information. Current law provides extensive restrictions on the use of student information, and this industry pledge will build on and detail that protection to promote even greater confidence in the appropriate use of student data".

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