Dear Parents and Guardians,
As your children navigate the digital world, it is important to be aware of the various laws and regulations that protect their privacy and safety online. In this summary, we will explain the key differences between three important U.S. federal laws: FERPA, COPPA, and CIPA.
Enacted in 1974, FERPA aims to protect the privacy of students' education records. It applies to all educational institutions that receive funds under any program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Key provisions of FERPA include:
Parents and guardians have the right to access and review their child's education records.
Schools must obtain written consent from parents before disclosing personally identifiable information from a student's education records, with some exceptions.
Parents have the right to request corrections to their child's records if they believe the information is misleading or inaccurate.
Implemented in 1998, COPPA is designed to protect the privacy of children under 13 years old who use the internet. It regulates the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by commercial websites and online services that target or knowingly collect information from children. Key aspects of COPPA include:
Websites and online services must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13.
Parents have the right to review and request the deletion of their child's personal information.
Websites and online services must post a clear and comprehensive privacy policy that describes how they handle children's personal information.
Passed in 2000, CIPA requires schools and libraries that receive federal funding through E-Rate or Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants to implement internet safety policies and use technology to filter and block access to inappropriate content for minors. Key provisions of CIPA include:
Schools and libraries must adopt an internet safety policy addressing minors' access to inappropriate material, safety and security when using email and chat rooms, and unauthorized access and hacking.
Schools and libraries must use filtering technology to block or filter internet access to images that are obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.
Schools and libraries must provide reasonable notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address the proposed internet safety policy.
Understanding these laws will help you ensure that your child's privacy and safety are protected as they engage with the digital world. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to speak with your child's school or local library to learn more about the measures they have in place to comply with these regulations.