WPF files comments on new FERPA student health privacy guidance

The World Privacy Forum filed comments to the US Department of Education regarding its student health privacy guidance published August 18, 2015. The World Privacy Forum supports the DoE guidance, which clarifies how universities and colleges are to handle sensitive student medical records in cases of non-medical litigation. The guidance notes that educational institutions should

Fall 2015 Calendar Updates: WPF events and activities

WPF has a busy fall line-up of publications and presentations. Here are some highlights of upcoming events where WPF is presenting: 15 September, Washington DC: WPF is a panelist at the Biometrics Institute forum discussion on facial recognition. More here. 26 October, Amsterdam, The Netherlands: WPF is a commenter at the Privacy Law Scholar’s Conference.

Why it’s important to #OptOutKids from school data sharing

Most parents are unaware that schools can compromise their children’s privacy and possibly their safety by sharing private information like their child’s phone number, home address, date of birth, email, and photos with anyone without consent. The good news is that parents already have the right to opt out of data sharing. Parents and students need

Student Privacy 101: Why school directory information sharing is a major student privacy issue

Most parents and students do not know that under the law as it is now, Directory Information about students can be shared with third parties without parental or student consent. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act determines what kinds of information schools can share with third parties. Although directory information may sound innocuous, it can include information about each student that is quite detailed. Directory information can include: