Student data protection bill approved by Florida Senate

TALAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Senate on Wednesday unanimously passed a measure designed to protect students’ data.

The bill (SB 662), dubbed the “Student Online Personal Information Protection Act,” would restrict the way operators of websites and applications used in schools can collect and use students’ data.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

For example, the operators would be prohibited from using “targeted advertising” on students or sharing, selling or renting students’ information.

Operators also would be required to collect “no more covered information than is reasonably necessary to operate” websites or applications.

Read: Pine Hills Elementary School holds prayer vigil for 3 students killed in last 3 months

Bill sponsor Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, has attributed the proposed changes to an increase in educational applications used in classrooms after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated online learning options.

“This bill sends the clear message that our kids’ data is not for sale. It’s not to be used by companies to monetize them and use their data as a product,” Bradley said.

Read: Equality Florida issues travel advisory warning against visiting, moving to the state

A similar House bill (HB 699) needs approval from the Education & Employment Committee before it could be considered by the full House.

Read: Reedy Creek board poised to claim ‘superior authority’ over land planning around Disney

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2023 Cox Media Group