Microsoft is committed to data privacy for students

Microsoft has made a timely announcement about data privacy against concerns that personal data is being mined for all kinds of purposes around the world. At its annual Microsoft in Education Global Forum on held in Barcelona, Spain, the company reaffirmed its commitment to help ensure that student data is never mined for advertising and marketing purposes. 

“Privacy concerns are holding educators back from making the most of modern technology and preparing students to succeed in today’s workplace. At the same time, many solutions being used in the classroom are unintentionally putting student data at risk,” said Anthony Salcito, Vice President, Worldwide Education, Microsoft. 

“The private sector has a responsibility to give educators the tools and resources that inspire real learning and have a real impact, while ensuring privacy isn’t a barrier to bringing new and innovative technologies into the classroom. This is why Microsoft is committed to taking every measure it can to ensure student information remains safe around the world. We will not, under any circumstance, mine students’ data.”

Added Stephanie Hung, Director, Public Sector, Microsoft Singapore, “Microsoft understands that digital safety and the privacy rights of students are non-negotiable. Beyond our promise to never mine personal data of students using our services such as Office 365, Microsoft Singapore also works actively with education institutions and government agencies to promote cyber wellness amongst students. 

"We plan to take these efforts one step further by broadening our outreach to parents. With a better understanding of online security, cyberbullying and safer use of the Internet as well as social media, they will be able to help protect their kids and family online.”

Microsoft’s focus on privacy in education is part of the YouthSpark initiative the company's global commitment to empowering youth through opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship. In its first year alone, YouthSpark created new opportunities for more than 103 million young people in over 100 countries around the world.   

Microsoft has invested a significant amount in education initiatives. Its Mentor Schools and Expert Educator programmes were created to recognise educators and schools who are on the leading edge of education innovation, paving the way for their peers in the use of technology to improve learning and student outcomes.

The company’s education solutions solve educators’ challenges across the following areas:

Productivity & Creativity: Microsoft Office 365 Education, an enterprise-quality communication and collaboration tool available in the cloud, is currently used by 110 million students, faculty and staff.  This always-on cloud service guarantees that student data will never be mined for advertising.  

Student Advantage, available through qualifying institutions, includes the entire Office suite and more than 4 million students are already getting Office 365 Professional Plus from their schools since it was launched in December 2013. 

Safer, more private search. Bing for Schools ensures students don’t see search ads when using Bing and also enhances their privacy by preventing the use of data to create ad profiles.

Management. Windows Intune is a cloud service that allows school IT administrators to manage Windows, Windows Phone, Android and iOS devices connected to their network over the Web, eliminating the need to own each device or to use onsite servers.

Professional development. Microsoft offers resources to train teachers on new technology, including the Partners in Learning Network that reaches nearly 1 million educators worldwide and includes online professional development, how-to tutorials, and learning activities created by teachers for teachers.

Technology training. The Microsoft IT Academy provides industry-leading technology skills to more than 8.5 million teachers and students in 130 countries to help bridge the technology skills gap. In addition, Microsoft has helped educators around the world successfully incorporate technology into the classroom to enhance the learning experience for their students through programmes such as Teaching With Technology. 

Device choice. Microsoft works with its Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners to bring better choice and quality and more affordable devices powered by Microsoft software and services to market for educators and students around the world.

YouthSpark Initiative: Microsoft’s focus on privacy in education is part of its overall commitment to empowering youth through opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Now in its 10th year, the Microsoft in Education Global Forum brings together more than 1,100 of the most innovative and committed educators, school leaders and government officials from around the world.