Four principals to protect learner data

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting school closures, the right to education for hundreds of millions of young people is suddenly dependent on a global ecosystem of technology organizations. To ensure the appropriate protection of learner data during an unprecedented and urgent transition to distance learning, UNESCO has asked Global Education Coalition members to adhere to the four principles outlined below. The principals build on existing regulations and pledges concerning personal data privacy and security, especially those specific to education contexts. The spirit of the Global Coalition is cooperation to solve urgent educational needs and do no harm when working to ensure the continuity, quality and equity of learning.

Four principals

  1. Appropriate use of data: We will not use educational data and learner information for advertising or other profiling purposes. This includes profiling for up-selling services and products, profiling that might result in political punishment or censure, or profiling that may undermine learner’s future aspirations and careers.  
  2. Access and control: We will offer learners access and control over the collection, use, sharing and deletion of their personal information.  
  3. Security and protection: We will ensure the security and protection of learner data and in line with industry best practices.
  4. Lifespan of services: We will disclose transparent information about the lifespan of services we offer, especially free or discounted offers.  

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