The End of EdTech’s Privacy Pledge: Why Student Data Protection Matters

As of May 2025, the Student Privacy Pledge has been officially retired. This voluntary commitment, adopted by more than 400 EdTech companies since its launch in 2014, was initially intended to promote transparency and responsible data practices in K–12 education. However, its relevance has waned as state-level privacy regulations have become more comprehensive. Because of lax data practices and the rapid rise of AI in educational settings, scrutiny has intensified from privacy regulators and further diminished the pledge’s impact.

The Growing Importance of Student Data Privacy

The retirement of the pledge does not signify that student data is now adequately protected. Instead, it highlights the pressing need for edtech companies to proactively engage with the complex and evolving privacy landscape.

Students’ personal information, including academic records, behavioral data, and biometric identifiers, is increasingly collected and analyzed by educational technologies. Without robust privacy protections, this data can be vulnerable to misuse, unauthorized access, and exploitation.

Moreover, excessive surveillance in educational settings can have detrimental effects on students’ well-being and learning outcomes. When students feel constantly monitored, they may be less inclined to take intellectual risks or express themselves freely, hindering creativity and self-discovery.

Navigating a Complex Regulatory Landscape

The absence of a unified federal data privacy framework – in this case for student data – has led to the increasing patchwork of state laws and regulations. While many of these laws aim to protect students, they also create compliance challenges for EdTech companies operating across multiple jurisdictions.

Additionally, federal laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) impose specific requirements on how student data must be handled. Ensuring compliance with these laws is essential to avoid legal repercussions and maintain trust with educational institutions and families.

How Clarip Supports EdTech Companies

In this complex environment, Clarip offers comprehensive solutions to help edtech companies navigate privacy challenges and build trust with stakeholders.

Key Features of Clarip’s Platform:

• Privacy Management Software: Clarip provides tools to manage data privacy programs, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
• Kids’ Privacy Management: Specialized features allow companies to understand and control how children’s data is collected and used across various platforms.
• State Privacy Law Tracker: An interactive map helps businesses stay informed about privacy legislation across different states, facilitating compliance efforts.
• Training Resources: Clarip offers training materials to educate staff on privacy laws and best practices, promoting a culture of compliance within organizations.

By leveraging Clarip’s solutions, edtech companies can proactively address privacy concerns, comply with legal requirements, and demonstrate a commitment to protecting student data.

Take Privacy from a Pledge to Practice

The discontinuation of the Student Privacy Pledge marks a pivotal moment for the edtech industry. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the strategies for safeguarding student data. Edtech companies must take proactive steps to ensure privacy protections are not only in place but are robust and adaptable to future challenges.

Clarip stands as a valuable partner in this endeavor, offering the tools and expertise necessary to navigate the intricate landscape of student data privacy. By prioritizing privacy, edtech companies can foster trust, promote safe learning environments, and uphold the rights of students in the digital age.

Click here to learn more about our Preference and Consent Management Platform! Clarip takes enterprise privacy governance to the next level and helps organizations reduce risks, engage better, and gain customers’ trust! Contact us at www.clarip.com or call Clarip at 1-888-252-5653 for a demo.

Email Now:

Mike Mango, VP of Sales
mmango@clarip.com