Open AccessPersonal Information Protection and Digital Technologies in Ontario Schools
Author(s) -
Amy Farrow
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the ijournal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2561-7397
DOI - 10.33137/ijournal.v6i2.36458
Subject(s) - pledge , legislation , commission , legislature , christian ministry , public relations , flexibility (engineering) , business , information privacy , information technology , political science , internet privacy , computer science , management , law , finance , economics
Ontario K-12 classrooms increasingly use digital applications and platforms. Consequently, private companies collect more personal information, posing a potential threat to student privacy. Current privacy legislation does not specifically address education technology or its use by children, and current policies and practices do not sufficiently support schools and teachers. Because educational practices and legislative compliance are variable, Ontario schools cannot provide students with consistent personal information protection.
This brief considers a privacy pledge, provincial legislation, and a Ministry of Education commission as policy alternatives. In the interest of supporting student privacy, adapting to changing conditions, and providing both clear standards and flexibility to stakeholders, this brief recommends that a Ministry of Education commission be created to review and approve digital applications and platforms for classroom use.