G Suite Privacy and Security
The FCPS G Suite for Education domain is a managed environment and is in compliance with Federal and local laws and regulations.
FCPS Managed Environment
FCPS takes student security and privacy very seriously. The FCPS G Suite for Education domain is a managed environment. Students can collaborate and communicate internally with other FCPS students or staff. There are a few exceptions to this rule for instructional needs that meet the following criteria:
- The external party is an FCPS-approved vendor.
- The external collaboration is necessary for the functionality of an instructional product.
- The activity supports instructional objectives.
- The activity complies with applicable Federal privacy and security laws.
Another exception is the FCPS Global Classroom Project. Through this project, the FCPS G Suite domain is temporarily connected to another school system’s domain to allow students to have global learning experiences. Participating schools sign a confidentiality agreement, which is renewed annually.
Compliance
In order to protect the privacy of students, the FCPS G Suite for Education domain has been configured to comply with Federal and local laws, policies and regulations including:
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
- Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
- Code of Virginia
- FCPS Regulations and Policies:
Further details about compliance can be found in section 7 of Google's G Suite Terms of Service and the Digital Privacy in FCPS page.
Data Collection and Ownership
FCPS and Google have a data privacy agreement in place. The G Suite Terms of Service Agreement ensures that students and staff are the sole owners of their data. Google will only access content when requested by an FCPS G Suite administrator. One example would be to investigate inappropriate use.
Advertisements
FCPS G Suite does not collect users’ personal information to target ads. There are no advertisements within G Suite.
Use of Student ID
The use of Student ID number as the G Suite User ID is consistent with existing privacy regulations. Student identification numbers are used for applications that meet one of these criteria:
- Account is protected by a PIN (e.g., lunch money).
- Students have no direct access to the system (e.g., library system).
- Account is secured by a personal password (e.g., G Suite for Education).