Danish Data Protection Authority requests municipalities using Chromebooks to stop sending unnecessary data to Google

There have been reports of Chromebooks being adopted as educational PCs that can be introduced at low cost, but some data is sent to Google when used. Regarding this, it has been learned that the Danish Data Protection Authority (DPA) has asked local governments to either stop sending data to Google or provide a reasonable explanation for just sending the data.

Datatilsynet giver påbud i Chromebook-sag

Denmark orders schools to stop sending student data to Google
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/denmark-orders-schools-to-stop-sending-student-data-to-google/

Google's use of student data could effectively ban Chromebooks from Denmark schools - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/7/24065332/denmark-google-student-data-collection-privacy

The issue was first raised in 2019 by Jesper Graugo, a conservation activist whose children use Chromebooks at school. When the children first brought home Chromebooks, Glaugaard thought positively that they would be learning about coding and the history and culture of technology, but in reality, they were simply learning about the history and culture of coding and technology. It was said that it was only a substitute for a notebook. Moreover, when I learned that I would have to set up a YouTube profile for use at school, and that the children's full names, ages, school names, and classes would be captured, I said, ``I can't protect my children with this.'' It is said that it was raised.

Jesper Graugaard's Fight Against Chromebooks in Danish Schools (1/2) | Welcome to The Privacy Dad's Blog!
https://theprivacydad.com/the-privacy-dad-interviews-jesper-graugaard/

When Mr. Glaugo contacted DPA and explained what the problem was, DPA told him how to file a lawsuit and what documents were required for litigation. In fact, thanks to Mr. Glaugo's work, the use of Chromebooks in schools has been canceled in Helsingair, north of the capital, Copenhagen.

However, 53 local governments continued to use Chromebooks.

In response, DPA conducted an investigation. Local governments have the authority to hand over student information for the purpose of providing services, improving the security and reliability of services, and communicating with students. We have determined that passing on information for the purpose of maintaining, improving functionality, or measuring performance of Chrome OS and Google Workspace is not expressly permitted.

For this reason, DPA is asking local governments that use Chromebooks to take countermeasures, stating that ``there is no legal basis for sending data to Google.'' Specifically, they are required to make clear that they do not send personal information to Google for unauthorized purposes, and that if they do, they do so in accordance with the rules.

News site BleepingComputer notes that it is difficult to ask Google not to process collected data, so a realistic solution for local governments to meet the conditions required by the DPA is to use Chromebooks and Google Workspace. It has been pointed out that the use of this product may be suspended.