3 Top Benefits to Data Privacy Certification – iKeepSafe
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3 Top Benefits to Data Privacy Certification
Posted on June 14th, 2017
by Felicia Lamb
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When it comes to protecting the privacy of student data, US Federal and state laws require stringent due diligence from both technology vendors and schools. In many states, educators can neither use nor form valid contracts with vendors whose products are not compliant with legal privacy requirements.
Vendors need access to privacy and security professionals to maintain a competitive edge in edtech, but legal fees are often too high for emerging companies, and consequences for noncompliance are exorbitant. Educators need ways of easily knowing that the tools they are bringing into school are safe and legal. It is for these reasons that going beyond the privacy policy and getting data privacy certification for education technology products is so important.
Here are just a few of the benefits to data privacy certification:
Data privacy certification protects a school’s technology product investment​ with assurances that can only come from a trusted third party review.
An edtech vendor’s privacy policies and practices might already be top-notch, but schools are seeking assurance by a trusted third party. How can they know that the policy matches the practices of the business? How can they be sure that a company knows all the ins and outs of growingly complex data privacy laws? Undergoing the iKeepSafe Data Privacy Certification vetting process communicates to educators, parents, and school systems that a product not only complies with state and federal policy, but also a rigorous standard of excellence.
A good privacy policy doesn’t necessarily ensure that a product is prepared for educational use. Products collecting student data have specific legal requirements, so privacy policies that work well for general consumer use may not adhere to the needs of these laws. Through the privacy certification process, any discrepancies in policy are found and corrected, ensuring peace of mind for users.
Data privacy certification demonstrates transparency of student data practices.
According to data privacy regulations, education technology products must include a clearly written, accurate and easily accessible privacy policy explaining what data is collected from or about students, how the data is used and stored, and to whom it may be disclosed and why.
During the certification process, iKeepSafe works closely with edtech teams to create and distribute a Product Profile that summarizes and communicates how the product protects student data privacy & security. Once the certification process is complete, the Product Profile is displayed on iKeepSafe’s website in a sortable database, allowing educators to pre-screen for products that have already been certified as compliant.
Data privacy certification simplifies the purchasing process for schools by helping to save time, build confidence and trust between schools and edtech companies.
An educator’s time is at a premium. Along with providing excellence in educating students, they’re now required to culm through thousands of technology options to support their curriculum. Teachers and IT administrators need quick and solid ways to know that an edtech product is trusted. Having a data privacy certification provides just the time saving information that educators need.
iKeepSafe’s data privacy certification badges allow vendors to demonstrate their ongoing compliance with federal and state privacy and security laws. Having the iKeepSafe certification badge on a website or product assures schools that they can rely on your product to adequately safeguard the privacy of student data. Product Profiles are also downloadable, giving educators resources to utilize when vetting product purchase options.
Working with iKeepSafe
As discussed above, the benefits of getting a third party data privacy certification for education technology products are many. If your company would like to become data privacy certified, iKeepSafe can help. A designated COPPA Safe Harbor non-profit organization, iKeepSafe has been working with technology companies, educators, parents and children since 2005. We provide a professional, personal, and thorough process that ensures compliance with data privacy laws and regulations. Our process is simple, cost effective, and trusted by a massive network of education stakeholders.
No matter what third party you work with for certification, it’s never been more important to make sure your product is in compliance with data privacy laws and regulations. For more information on data privacy laws, see our FERPA 101 and COPPA 101 pages, and our FAQ page.
To get started with iKeepSafe Data Privacy Certification, send us your information or set up a consultation by emailing or calling 540-385-9862.
The information in this blog post is not legal advice.
 
 
 
 
 
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About the Author :: Felicia Lamb
Felicia has extensive experience in nearly every area of marketing, including content development, company and product messaging, public relations, event management, and graphic design. Her passions include developing holistic solutions and programs that encompass all angles of marketing strategy. Prior to working with iKeepSafe, Felicia served as the US Marketing Manager for Impero Software, an international education technology company, where she was instrumental in developing the US version of the keyword library for their flagship online safety monitoring product, Education Pro. Before entering the marketing field, she created the first Career and Technical Education Graphic Arts program in Mexico Missouri, where she taught for seven years. Felicia holds an MBA with Marketing emphasis, lifetime Missouri Secondary and Postsecondary Teaching Certifications in Graphic Arts, Graphic Communications and Illustration, and is currently completing an MSM in Organizational Leadership and Change.
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iKeepSafe privacy professionals conduct an assessment of products that are
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