SAFE KIDS Act
Latest action (16 Jul 2015): Introduced
What this bill does
The SAFE KIDS Act would require companies ("operators") that provide online services, apps, or websites designed for use in preK-12 schools to protect the privacy and security of student data. Operators would be barred from using student information for targeted advertising, from selling it to third parties, or from using it beyond educational purposes without appropriate consent processes routed through schools. They would also have to maintain reasonable security safeguards, delete student data within set time limits after a parent's request or when no longer needed, disclose their privacy policies publicly, and allow parents or eligible students to access and correct information. Exceptions would allow disclosures for legal compliance, safety, certain school-authorized purposes like college or job applications, and use of de-identified data for research or product improvement.
The bill would primarily affect technology companies that provide services to schools, early childhood programs, and elementary/secondary institutions, as well as students, parents, and educational agencies who rely on such services. It would not apply to colleges or universities as "educational agencies," though it defines rights for "eligible students" (such as those 18 or older) to exercise consent themselves. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the law, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and could issue implementing regulations in consultation with the Department of Education. State privacy laws offering equal or greater protection would remain in effect.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 16, 2015, by Sen. Steve Daines with Sen. Richard Blumenthal as a cosponsor, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 114th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Safeguarding American Families from Exposure by Keeping Information and Data Secure Act or the SAFE KIDS Act
Prohibits an operator of a school's Internet or online service from presenting elementary school, secondary school, or early childhood education program students, or their parents, with targeted advertisements that are selected based on information obtained or inferred from students': (1) online behavior or use of online or mobile applications, or (2) personally identifiable information. Exempts online advertisements that are contextually relevant and selected based on a single visit or session of use during which the advertisements are presented, provided that information about students' online behavior is not collected or retained over time.
Prohibits operators from: (1) selling students' personal information to third parties; or (2) collecting student information to create a personal profile or for purposes unrelated to educational instruction, school collaboration, or administrative activities.
Requires operators to implement information security procedures. Directs operators to delete certain student information that is not included in a student's education records: (1) within 45 days after a request through an educational agency, institution, or program from the student's parent; or (2) within two years after the information is no longer being used for school purposes and parents are notified of the impending deletion.
Requires operators to obtain consent from the educational agency, institution, or program, through contracts or privacy policies, regarding the types of personal information collected or generated, the purposes for which the information is used or disclosed to third parties, and the identity of any such third parties. Directs operators to disclose such privacy policies publicly on the operator's website.
Instructs operators to establish procedures for parents and system users to access and correct certain information.
Allows operators to disclose students' information only for certain lawful purposes or pursuant to a process that requires an affirmative express request through a student's educational agency, institution, or program from: (1) the student's parent in the case of information about a student or parent, or (2) a system user in the case of information about that user. Requires an operator to receive a student's or parent's request, through the student's educational agency, institution, or program, before disclosing transcripts or certain other information to a third party in furtherance of a student's postsecondary education or employment opportunities.
Requires third-party recipients to maintain security procedures and provide assurances that they will not further disclose received information.
Common questions
- What does S. 1788 do?
- The SAFE KIDS Act would require companies ("operators") that provide online services, apps, or websites designed for use in preK-12 schools to protect the privacy and security of student data. Operators would be barred from using student information for targeted advertising, from selling it to third parties, or from using it beyond educational purposes without appropriate consent processes routed through schools. They would also have to maintain reasonable security safeguards, delete student data within set time limits after a parent's request or when no longer needed, disclose their privacy policies publicly, and allow parents or eligible students to access and correct information. Exceptions would allow disclosures for legal compliance, safety, certain school-authorized purposes like college or job applications, and use of de-identified data for research or product improvement. The bill would primarily affect technology companies that provide services to schools, early childhood programs, and elementary/secondary institutions, as well as students, parents, and educational agencies who rely on such services. It would not apply to colleges or universities as "educational agencies," though it defines rights for "eligible students" (such as those 18 or older) to exercise consent themselves. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the law, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and could issue implementing regulations in consultation with the Department of Education. State privacy laws offering equal or greater protection would remain in effect. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 16, 2015, by Sen. Steve Daines with Sen. Richard Blumenthal as a cosponsor, and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It did not receive a vote before the end of the 114th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 1788 become law?
- Not yet. As of 16 Jul 2015, S. 1788 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 1788?
- S. 1788 was sponsored by Sen. Steve Daines [R-MT] (Republican-MT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 1788?
- Introduced (16 Jul 2015).
Related bills in Education
Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 13 through September 19, 2026, as “Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week”.
Data Science and Literacy Act of 2026
To direct the Secretary of Education to conduct a study on the efforts of States, local educational agencies, and public elementary and secondary schools to educate students about the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and for other purposes.
Expressing support for the designation of September 2026 as National Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.