- Edtech companies like alphabet inc WELL Google Google has been under investigation for alleged breaches of UK data laws. The Financial Times reports.
- The companies reportedly left children’s data vulnerable to commercial exploitation as schools rolled out free distance learning software during the pandemic.
- The Information Commissioner’s Office and Department for Education have highlighted the policies of popular edtech products Google Classroom and ClassDojo following an investigation by children’s digital rights charity, 5Rights.
- The study revealed how third parties and Google track data to infer preferences and serve personalized ads when users click on external links.
- The two companies allegedly have opaque privacy policies that are incompatible with UK data protection law.
- The report argued that the government should require edtech vendors to be clear and transparent about the types of data being collected and used about children, with regular independent audits.
- The ICO expressed an interest in any evidence of edtech not complying with the law.
- Google and ClassDojo rejected the allegations, citing clear data protection guidelines.
- Some regions in Denmark and Germany have banned the use of Google products in schools. In 2021, the Dutch Data Protection Authority threatened to ban Google’s Chromebook laptops and educational software for endangering children’s privacy, while Google later settled the matter.
- The violation could result in a potential fine of up to 4% of global sales for companies.
- The global market for edtech and smart classrooms will probably reach $258.9 billion by 2028, a CAGR of 12.8%.
- London arose as the leading European city for edtech as the pandemic accelerated online learning and development.
- London was the only European city in the global top 10 for VC investments. London’s edtech ecosystem is worth ~$3.4 billion.
- Price promotion: GOOG shares traded up 0.46% to $110.42 at the latest premarket check…
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