The coalition is extremely disappointed that late session amendments have stripped parental rights from the bill such that we are now asking for the bill to be killed. There is no provision for parental consent for the collection and distribution of data and that is absolutely essential in any bill.Until and unless that is added we urge the bill to be killed. We can't let the interests of corporate lobbyists endanger the welfare of our children.
Last week, CT made state and national news. In at least 7 CT towns, private student, family, teacher data and unique identifiers are being traded for services. The lobbying group, CCER is entering into agreements with schools, in exchange for data. This is happening without parental knowledge or consent. This is an embarrassment for CT.
Schools are collecting unprecedented amounts of data, including- biometrics, psychological, medical, financial, religious and political "data points". “Unique Identifiers” do not protect PII (personally identifiable information) ie- s.s.n., d.o.b., nor, do privacy laws. Data can be owned be traded, brokered, shared and sold.
Therefore, CPRC calls for the Education Committee to-
1) Act within their charge, 2) Keep lobbyists, politico/investor profiteers, big ED Tech, Advertisers and pseudo "educational interests" away from our children, teachers, schools and, public policy, 3) Actually protect students, teachers and families -'kill this bill' - HB 7017
CPRC is the union of 11 citizen groups throughout CT, representing approximately 40,000 CT residents. The Coalition has worked with legislators by submitting research, evidence and expert counsel. We are committed to the safety of children and the rights of parents.