Ohio Senate Bill 29 and Jamf Safe Internet

Learn about the recent Ohio Senate Bill 29 and how Jamf Safe Internet helps schools meet the bill's requirements.

October 25 2024 by

Mat Pullen

Understanding Ohio Senate Bill 29 (SB29)

Ohio Senate Bill 29 is a significant step toward improving data privacy and cybersecurity in Ohio's educational system. The bill introduces several provisions designed to protect student privacy while modernizing the way schools handle digital learning tools.

A key result of SB29 is that it prohibits unauthorized electronic access to school-issued devices. Under SB29, schools and technology providers are generally prohibited from electronically accessing or monitoring students' school-issued devices, with some exceptions. This includes access to location data, audio and video feeds, or keystroke activity. Exceptions are made in certain circumstances, like:

  • Judicial warrant
  • Missing or stolen device
  • Threats to life or safety (limited access)
  • Technical support

These scenarios require written and timely notice of the monitoring to the parents of enrolled students.

Introducing Jamf Safe Internet: a privacy-first approach

Jamf Safe Internet meets the requirements in Ohio’s SB29, allowing schools to keep students safe without violating their privacy. Jamf Safe Internet takes a "privacy by design" approach, prioritizing the protection of students' data while maintaining robust security measures like content filtering — without monitoring key strokes and web browsing.

About Jamf Safe Internet

1. Privacy by design: keeping search history private

Jamf Safe Internet is designed to protect student privacy by default. It does not store or expose individual student search histories. Instead, administrators can only access aggregated reports on which sites are visited or blocked within specific categories, without identifying individual students. This preserves privacy while still providing schools with valuable insights into browsing behavior for educational and safety purposes.

2. Location tracking for device recovery only

While location tracking can be a controversial feature in educational settings, Jamf Safe Internet ensures that it is only used when absolutely necessary — specifically, if a device is reported lost or stolen. In these cases, the location is tracked via IP address to recover the device, not to monitor the student’s whereabouts.

3. Supporting classroom education with privacy in mind

Jamf Safe Internet only identifies students in the context of educational support. For instance, tools like Jamf Teacher and Jamf Student enable educators to facilitate learning in a secure environment, while ensuring that any data used remains strictly for educational purposes.

Why Jamf Safe Internet stands out

Jamf Safe Internet is not just about filtering harmful content — it focuses on a holistic approach to digital safety and privacy. It stops malicious content and cyber threats before they can reach students, while simultaneously fostering an environment where students are empowered to learn about internet safety.

1. Privacy first: building trust and transparency

What sets Jamf Safe Internet apart from other solutions is its dedication to building trust between users and technology. By prioritizing privacy and transparency, Jamf ensures that schools can use technology responsibly without infringing on students' personal freedoms.

2. Focus on education and human-centered support

Jamf Safe Internet underscores the importance of comprehensive education in online safety. The belief is that true protection comes from equipping students with the knowledge and awareness to navigate the internet safely, regardless of who owns the device. By integrating security education into the digital learning experience, Jamf aims to create a culture of responsible technology use.

3. Preventing harm before it occurs

With a focus on prevention, Jamf Safe Internet blocks harmful content and malicious attacks before they reach students. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of cybercrime or exposure to inappropriate material, ensuring a safer online learning environment for all.

A future of secure and transparent digital learning

As schools increasingly integrate technology into the classroom, safeguarding students' privacy and securing their data is a top priority.

While SB29 creates a framework for data protection and transparency, Jamf Safe Internet brings these principles to life through cutting-edge technology designed with privacy in mind.

Together, these efforts represent a significant stride toward a future where students can safely engage with digital learning tools, free from the risks of data misuse or cyber threats. By prioritizing both education and privacy, schools can create a digital environment that is secure, trustworthy, and conducive to learning.

Get more detailed information on privacy and monitoring in educational settings in our paper.