Glossary > Privacy > Educational Privacy > FERPA Regulations

Non-consensual Disclosure

Non-consensual disclosure in the context of privacy, particularly within Educational Privacy/FERPA Regulations, refers to the unauthorized sharing of an individual's personally identifiable information (PII) without their explicit permission or consent.

Example #1

For example, a teacher in a school accidentally shares a student's grades with other students without the student's or parents' permission.

Example #2

Another example is a school employee accessing and sharing a student's medical records with unauthorized personnel.

Misuse

Misuse of non-consensual disclosure can lead to significant harm, such as invasion of privacy, emotional distress, reputational damage, and even identity theft. When private information is shared without consent, individuals lose control over their data and may suffer negative consequences.

Benefits

Protecting against non-consensual disclosure ensures that individuals' privacy rights are respected, fostering trust and confidence in educational institutions. By safeguarding personal information, students, parents, and employees can feel secure in their interactions within the educational environment.

Conclusion

Non-consensual disclosure should be prevented and addressed through strict adherence to privacy regulations like FERPA, clear policies on data handling, staff training on privacy procedures, and implementing secure data management practices.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024