ACT | The App Association applauds the administration for supporting the Student Privacy Pledge endorsed by more than 75 companies and key platform leaders Microsoft and Apple.

The Student Privacy Pledge is a commitment by education technology companies to provide a safe learning environment in our schools. Participating companies agree to not sell any data collected from schoolchildren through the twelfth grade. By signing the pledge, they are also prohibited from using student information for advertising or to build student profiles unless expressly authorized by parents or schools. App Association Executive Director Morgan Reed released the following statement in support of the pledge:
Although many of our member companies have implemented even stronger data protection measures, there is widespread support to establish industry best practices and reassure parents about their children’s online safety.

 

A number of our members subscribe to the best practices set forth by Moms With Apps, an organization that exemplifies this commitment. With over 350 member companies, the group has created a platform for educators and parents to make informed choices about educational apps based on factors including data collection, advertising, and links to social networks.

 

The App Association is also pleased that the major platform companies Apple and Microsoft have lent their support to the Pledge. Our members rely upon these platforms to market apps. When companies throughout the ecosystem are implementing appropriate safeguards for student data, it gives parents peace of mind that their children are safe online. We hope that Google can resolve whatever outstanding reservations it has and join the rest of the industry to adopt appropriate standards to protect children online.

 

The App Association will assist our member companies to ensure they meet Pledge standards, and work to ensure that industry best practices encourage innovation in education. We will also continue to work with Representatives Messer, Polis, the Senate HELP Committee, and the administration to address concerns that may arise.