Concerns Rise Over Chinese Ownership of Edmodo and Student Data Privacy in WCSD

During the recent Washoe County School District (WCSD) Board of Trustees meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the handling of student data and privacy issues. The discussions highlighted the long-standing apprehensions about the collection and storage of personal student information, particularly in light of past events involving educational technology vendors.

One of the most alarming points brought up was the acquisition of Edmodo, a major educational platform used by students, by a Chinese company. Critics expressed worries about the implications of this sale, especially since the district continued to mandate the use of Edmodo for an extended period without informing parents of the ownership change. The eventual shutdown of Edmodo by its new owners raised further questions about the fate of the data collected during its operation.

The conversation also referenced testimony from Fordham Law Professor Joel Reidenberg, who warned in 2015 about the potential merging of student data from various sources into a single database. This concern resonates today, particularly with the ongoing debate surrounding the Chinese-owned app TikTok and its data practices. The fear is that data from platforms like Edmodo could be combined with other information, creating extensive profiles on students that might be exploited by employers or educational institutions.

In WCSD, the Infinite Campus system has emerged as a focal point of concern. Parents have been encouraged to review the data stored about their children, which includes not only academic performance but also sensitive information related to medical, disciplinary, and counseling records. The lack of restrictions on how Infinite Campus can share or sell this data has raised alarms, with some suggesting that foreign entities could potentially acquire this information.

The discussions at the meeting underscore a growing unease among parents and community members about student privacy and data security. As technology continues to evolve, the implications of these data practices remain a pressing issue for the district and its stakeholders. The board's acknowledgment of these concerns may lead to further scrutiny and potential policy changes aimed at protecting student information in the future.