The 2000s marked the beginning of a new technological age where the world switched from paper and pen to computers and keys. Technology has driven forward research and development, created countless career opportunities and enhanced daily life. But as with all good things, there are drawbacks. Privacy is hard when our lives are displayed in public domains. Passwords can be hacked and lives can be ruined with just the click of a mouse.
Data has become what drives the digital world. In simple terms, it is information. For individuals, data can be search history, personal information like phone number and email or how the user interacts with the web.
That is why in this digital age, it has become increasingly important to protect data.
While most won’t be a victim of a huge breach or a ransomware attack demanding millions of dollars, everyone is a target. On all social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube or Instagram, machine learning algorithms keep users hooked by personalizing the feed and maximizing profit with each click.
It’s not just social media, but also search engines. Google is widely known as one of the most popular search engines in the world, and the most popular in the U.S., with 88.01% of Americans using Google as their main search engine.
Despite its mass prevalence in the digital world, Google is actually one of the least secure browsers. The Chrome browser collects data and tracks users across the web using third-party cookies. Third-party cookies will follow users even after they navigate off the website to collect more data. This data can include web interactions and user identifiers to create a profile on the user. These are then used for targeted advertising to make money.
That is why many have switched from Chrome to more secure browsers. Browsers such as Firefox, Brave and DuckDuckGo block trackers and cookies, and don’t tie searches to individuals.
However, Oak Park Unified School District has used Google services since 2014. While many initially raised concerns about student privacy on the web, it turns out there is more than just one face to Google.
Most may be familiar with the free public Chrome Browser. However, for businesses and schools, different variations of Google such as Google for Business or Google for Education contain additional privacy features.
In recent years, concerning the strict privacy requirements of student data, the California Educational Technology Professionals Association reviewed Google’s privacy policies to ensure they complied with privacy laws. Google is forbidden to track or sell student data and signed a commitment to safeguard it.
“OPUSD takes every measure to ensure that student data is used solely for educational purposes,” Ragini Aggarwal, the Public Information and Strategic Communications Officer of OPUSD, wrote to the Talon. “There have been no instances of student data being sold within the district.”
While other browsers may offer more privacy and security features, they interfere with education functions. On the other hand, Google allows for a cost-saving secure browser to manage collaboration between students and teachers.
“Google Workspace for Education offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to educational needs, including email, storage, productivity apps, Google Sites, and Google Classroom,” Dana Thompson, the Director of Technology & Information Services at OPUSD commented.
When it comes to managing student data, Google is a top pick.
