The FCPS Google Workspace 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 Google Workspace 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 Google Workspace 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 Google Workspace for Education domain has been configured to comply with Federal and local laws, policies and regulations. The Digital Privacy in FCPS page provides more information.
Data Collection and Ownership
FCPS and Google have a data privacy agreement in place. The Google Workspace 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 Google Workspace administrator. One example would be to investigate inappropriate use.
Advertisements
FCPS Google Workspace does not collect users’ personal information to target ads. There are no advertisements within Google Workspace.
Use of Student ID
The use of Student ID number as the Google Workspace User ID is consistent with existing privacy regulations. According to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a student ID number or user ID can be used to access electronic systems if used with a PIN or password. The Google Workspace for Education account is secured by a personal password.
