The debate over data privacy in education is intensifying as technology becomes increasingly integrated into classrooms, according to a recent report from RTÉ.ie. The discussion centers on who ultimately controls the data generated by students’ use of educational technology – teachers, parents, or the technology companies themselves.
The issue gains particular relevance in light of the Right to Education Act, initially passed in India in 2009. A recent working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research examined the impact of the Act, noting increases in school enrollment following its passage, alongside a concurrent decline in test scores. While the paper doesn’t directly address data privacy, it underscores the broader context of educational reform and the challenges of measuring its impact.
Concerns about data ownership are not limited to academic performance metrics. The RTÉ.ie report highlights the need for clarity regarding the types of data collected and the reasons for its collection. This includes everything from student performance data to potentially more sensitive information gathered through educational apps and platforms.
In India, the Right to Education (RTE) Act has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its implementation and effectiveness. The UPSDC website provides access to child tracking reports, but includes a disclaimer stating that the accuracy of the data cannot be guaranteed and should be verified with official sources. This highlights the challenges of maintaining reliable and transparent data systems within the education sector.
Data related to complaints regarding violations of the RTE Act are also publicly available through the Open Government Data Platform India. Records from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) detail complaints received between 2018-19 and 2020-21, though the platform currently indicates “No Result Found” for keyword searches as of February 27, 2026.
The RTÉ.ie report emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach, suggesting that teachers, parents, and children should all have a voice in determining the role of technology in schools and the data it collects. This call for shared governance reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance the benefits of educational technology with the protection of student privacy.
