Across Europe, the push for data privacy scrutiny of large tech platforms continues to shape how schools choose tools for learning. In Denmark, the national regulator has taken a bold stance, signaling a crackdown on the use of student data by a major American provider. The Danish Data Protection Authority has concluded that Google’s handling of student information used in education violates European privacy rules, highlighting a growing tension between classroom technology and privacy protections.
In an official release published midweek, the Danish regulator stated that there is no lawful basis for Google to mine student data for its own purposes when students are using devices like Chromebooks and services such as Google Workspace for Education. The ruling centers on the idea that educational data should primarily serve learning needs and security, not be repurposed for commercial or unspecified uses. This position affects students and teachers who rely on Google tools to complete school tasks and collaborate online.
Google has long integrated student data into performance analytics and feature development across its education platform, its browser, the Chromium project, and related operating systems. The Danish authority argues that this approach disregards children’s privacy protections and oversteps what is legally permissible. The regulator, however, acknowledges that data can be used to deliver services, improve safety, facilitate communication, and meet legal obligations when appropriately justified and controlled.
The ban is obvious
In its ruling, the authority found that Danish municipalities did not conduct a sufficiently thorough assessment of the risks involved before allowing the use of certain Google products in schools. As a result, 53 municipalities were ordered to either halt the transfer of student data to Google or to establish a solid legal basis along with guarantees that the company will not engage in unlawful data use. The directive requires municipalities to explain how they will comply by a specified deadline, with broader prohibitions looming if compliance is not achieved. While this creates meaningful restrictions on Chromebooks, it also opens room for Google to adapt its methods to align with European data-protection laws. If noncompliance persists, schools may need to seek alternatives that respect student privacy more robustly.
The regulator’s decision followed a lengthy review process spanning several years. Public concern about how minors’ data is used in educational settings helped drive attention to the issue, reinforcing calls for greater transparency and stronger safeguards in school technology deployments.
What about in Spain?
Spain has also embraced Chromebooks in many classrooms, though the approach has sparked questions among digital rights advocates. Officials are encouraged to consider public, non-commercial alternatives that do not rely on monetizing student data. Educators and activists emphasize that schools produce and steward vast amounts of content and materials, and ownership rights over those resources matter as much as privacy protections. Experts note that managing this data responsibly can have far-reaching consequences for students, educators, and the broader learning ecosystem.
Regulatory inquiries in Spain have touched on enforcement with respect to how data protection laws apply to classroom partnerships with tech providers. A national data protection agency has investigated specific arrangements involving educational agreements, with attention to impact assessments and the safeguards surrounding data sharing. While some observers view these steps as progress, others argue that more robust, proactive privacy governance is needed to prevent privacy risks before they arise. In the educational context, the conversation centers on protecting students while ensuring access to effective learning tools.
Across these developments, the overarching theme is clear: schools must critically assess the data practices of the tools they deploy, ensuring that student privacy is protected without sacrificing the quality and accessibility of education. Stakeholders are urged to demand transparent data handling, robust governance, and alternative solutions that respect student rights while supporting modern learning needs. This ongoing debate highlights the balance between innovation in digital education and the imperative to safeguard personal information in the classroom.