// THREAT DETECTION AND DATA PRIVACY TERM
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a U.S. federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law gives parents certain rights regarding their children's records, and these rights transfer to the student at age 18 or upon entering a postsecondary institution.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a United States federal law regulating the privacy of student education records, which contain personally identifiable information (PII). This compliance framework requires educational agencies and institutions receiving federal funds to protect student data, control access, and obtain consent from parents or eligible students for most disclosures.
BACKGROUND
Privacy in education refers to the broad area of ideologies, practices, and legislation that involve the privacy rights of individuals in the education system. Concepts that are commonly associated with privacy in education include the expectation of privacy, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Fourth Amendment, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Most privacy in education concerns relate to the protection of student data and the privacy of medical records. Many scholars are engaging in an academic discussion that covers the scope of students’ privacy rights, from student in K-12 and even higher education, and the management of student data in an age of rapid access and dissemination of information.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
- Buckley Amendment
- Student Privacy Law
- Education Records Privacy Act
USAGE NOTE
EdTech vendors and cloud service providers handling student data must ensure their systems and policies are FERPA-compliant to do business with U.S. schools.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to FERPA.
A leading provider of K-12 education technology, including Student Information Systems (SIS) and enrollment platforms. Their software is built with features to manage, secure, and control access to student records in accordance with FERPA.
The developer of the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), which incorporates granular permissions, secure data hosting, and access controls to protect sensitive student information like grades and submissions, helping institutions meet FERPA guidelines.
Offers Microsoft 365 for Education and Azure cloud services, which include data governance, identity management, and security tools that help educational institutions protect student data and maintain FERPA compliance.
Provides Google Workspace for Education and Google Cloud Platform, which are widely used in schools. These platforms include administrative controls, security settings, and data protection features to help institutions fulfill their FERPA obligations.
Develops a single sign-on (SSO), class rostering, and identity management platform for schools. Their technology secures access to digital learning resources and helps control the sharing of student data with third-party applications, a key aspect of FERPA.
A major developer of web-based Student Information Systems (SIS) for K-12 districts. Their platform is designed to centralize and secure student data, with tools for managing access and reporting to ensure compliance with FERPA.
A provider of education technology, including the Blackboard Learn LMS. The platform includes features for secure communication, grade management, and user authentication to protect the privacy of student educational records as required by FERPA.
Develops web filtering, mobile device management, and classroom monitoring software specifically for K-12 schools. Their technology is designed to protect students while ensuring student data privacy and helping districts adhere to FERPA and CIPA.