Teachers Must Consider Privacy Before Using Online Services

Educators are using online educational services for student learning, communication and evaluation.  While these services may be innovative, accessible and available at little or no cost, their use could put the privacy of students and their families at risk. Sometimes teachers use online services without approval from school administrators, who are responsible for the information management practices of their staff. School boards must ensure online services used by teachers are compliant with Ontario privacy law.

To offer guidance, the IPC has partnered with the Ontario Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) to publish a new brochure that offers information for educators about the potential privacy risks of online educational services. We have also created downloadable posters for use in staff rooms and offices to remind teachers to get approval before using these services.