thumbnail

Privacy Evaluation for Classcraft

Last updated
Not all basic evaluation questions are answered.

NA%

Incomplete

Overview

Classcraft intends that the classroom can be reimagined using technology, games, and storytelling to create a learning environment that is culturally relevant to today's youth. The policy explains that as Classcraft is designed to be played in groups, much of the information collected about the teachers and students is intended to be shared. However, Classcraft's policy explicitly states that Classcraft does not collect the following data: Physiological biometric data; Information on free or reduced lunch status; or User’s contact lists or friends lists. The policy states that should there be any unauthorized disclosure of a student’s records, Classcraft will notify the school, teacher, parent and student via email within 3 days following discovery of the unauthorized disclosure. The policy explains that under the licensing agreement between Classcraft and the teachers using the Classcraft software, the teachers are responsible for obtaining parental permission should it be required under COPPA.

Classcraft can be accessed through its website, and is available for download at the iOS App Store and the Google Play Store. The Privacy Policy and Teacher Terms of Use used for this evaluation can be found on Classcraft’s website, iOS App Store and the Google Play Store. Additionally, other policies used for this evaluation include: Student Terms of Use. This evaluation only considers policies that have been made publicly available prior to an individual using the application or service.

Safety

The policy explains that as Classcraft is designed to be played in groups, much of the information collected about the teachers and students is intended to be shared. According to its policy, Classcraft stores the following information that the teacher and students may choose to share with their class, colleagues or school administration: Student or teacher’s name; Student or teacher’s email address; Student or teacher’s game activities; School and class information; Teacher-generated content (for example: posts, assignments, quizzes, etc.); and Messages and comments within the game. The policy warns that game related or class related activities, information or communications may be visible to teachers, students and others who are physically in the classroom. Classcraft's policy states that the teacher is responsible to monitor and manage all User Submissions, and that Classcraft does not monitor or manage User Submissions and is not responsible in any way for User Submissions.

Privacy

The policy explains that as Classcraft is designed to be played in groups, much of the information collected about the teachers and students is intended to be shared. However, Classcraft's policy explicitly states that Classcraft does not collect the following data: Physiological biometric data; Information on free or reduced lunch status; or User’s contact lists or friends lists. While they state that they make an effort to keep student data private, and that Classcraft tries to make sure that these links are safe for everyone, it notes that the privacy and data collection practices on any linked websites are entirely separate from Classcraft and are not covered by this Privacy Policy. They note that third party software may be integrated with Classcraft (such as Google Classroom, Microsoft, Facebook or Twitter). Classcraft has no responsibility for the content, policies or actions of these websites and they are entirely separate from Classcraft and are not covered by this Privacy Policy. They commit in their policy not to sell student information or share it for advertising purposes.

Security

Classcraft's policy states that it uses industry standard methods to protect its customer’s data against unauthorized use or access, alteration, unlawful or accidental destruction or loss. In the policy, they explain that one of the functions of cookies is to remember the user's id and password so that the user does not have to enter them each time. The policy states that should there be any unauthorized disclosure of a student’s records, Classcraft will notify the school, teacher, parent and student via email within 3 days following discovery of the unauthorized disclosure.

Compliance

The policy explains that under the licensing agreement between Classcraft and the teachers using the Classcraft software, the teachers are responsible for obtaining parental permission should it be required under COPPA. With regard to filtering capability in the policy, the teacher can restrain the information visible to other students: on a per class basis, they can hide the reasons for gaining and losing points and also limit visibility to a student’s teammates only (for the purpose of being able to play the game). The policy is detailed for deletion of data over time, but it is not immediate upon account deletion. The policy states that they are compliant with COPPA and FERPA. With regard to EU requirements, data is stored on Amazon servers in the United States and Classcraft abides by article 17 of the Act with respect to the use of personal information.

Rating

This product received a Incomplete rating based on the following details:
    Data Collection
    SCORE: 35%

    What data does it collect?

    • Personally identifiable information (PII) is collected.
    • The categories of collected personally identifiable information are indicated.
    • Collection or use of data is limited to product requirements.
    • Geolocation data are collected.
    • Unclear whether this product collects biometric or health data.
    • Unclear whether this product collects interactions, behaviors, or usage analytics data.
    • Unclear whether this product collects sensitive data.
    • Unclear whether this product collects any data automatically.
    • Unclear whether opt-in consent is requested from users at the time personal information is collected.
    • Personal information of users is collected by a third party.
    Data Sharing
    SCORE: 60%

    What data does it share?

    • Collected information is shared with third parties.
    • Unclear whether the categories of information shared with third parties are indicated.
    • The purpose for sharing a user's personal information with third parties is indicated.
    • Unclear whether the categories of third parties that receive data are indicated.
    • Unclear whether data are shared for analytics.
    • Unclear whether data are shared for research and/or product improvement.
    • Third-party services are used to support the product.
    • The roles of third-party service providers are indicated.
    • Third-party login is supported.
    • Contractual limits are placed on third-party data use.
    Data Security
    SCORE: 80%

    How does it secure data?

    • Unclear whether a user's identity is verified with additional personal information.
    • Account creation is required.
    • Managed accounts are available.
    • Unclear whether multi-factor account protection is available.
    • Third-parties with access to information are required to provide the same security protections as the company.
    • Reasonable security practices are used to protect data.
    • Employee or physical access to user information is limited.
    • All data in transit are encrypted.
    • All data are stored in an encrypted format.
    • Notice is provided in the event of a data breach.
    Data Rights
    SCORE: 75%

    What rights do I have to the data?

    • Users can create or upload content.
    • Unclear whether users retain ownership of their data.
    • Processes to access or review user data are available.
    • Processes to modify data are available for authorized users.
    • A data-retention policy is available.
    • Processes for authorized users to delete data are available.
    • A user's data are deleted upon account cancellation or termination.
    • Data are deleted when no longer necessary.
    • Unclear whether methods are available to restrict who has access to data.
    • Processes to download user data are available.
    Data Sold
    SCORE: 55%

    Is the data sold?

    • Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.
    • Users can opt out from the disclosure or sale of their data to a third party.
    • User information can be transferred to a third party in the event of a merge, acquisition, or bankruptcy.
    • Users are notified if their information is transferred to a third party.
    • User information can be deleted prior to its transfer to a third party.
    • Third-party transfer is contractually required to use the same privacy practices.
    • Unclear whether user information that is shared is shared in an anonymous or de-identified format.
    • Unclear whether the company describes their de-identification process of user information.
    • Unclear whether data are shared for research and/or product improvement.
    • Unclear whether contractual limits prohibit third parties from reidentifying or de-identified information.
    Data Safety
    SCORE: 30%

    How safe is this product?

    • Users can interact with trusted users.
    • Users can interact with untrusted users, including strangers and/or adults.
    • Unclear whether profile information must be shared for social interactions.
    • Personal information can be displayed publicly.
    • Unclear whether this product allows users to control how their data are displayed to others.
    • User-created content is not reviewed, screened, or monitored by the company.
    • Unclear whether user-created content is filtered for personal information before being made publicly visible.
    • Social interactions between users are not moderated.
    • Unclear whether social interactions of users are logged.
    • Unclear whether users can report abuse or cyberbullying.
    Ads & Tracking
    SCORE: NA%

    Are there advertisements or tracking?

    • Personal information is not shared for third-party marketing.
    • Unclear whether this product displays traditional or contextual advertisements.
    • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
    • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
    • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
    • Unclear whether this company can send marketing messages.
    • Unclear whether this company provides promotional sweepstakes, contests, or surveys.
    • Unclear whether this product provides users the ability to opt-out of contextual, or personalised advertising.
    • Unclear whether users can opt out or unsubscribe from marketing communications.
    Not yet answered
    • This evaluation did not assess whether this product displays personalised advertising.
    Parental Consent
    SCORE: 55%

    Can I provide parental consent?

    • Unclear whether intended for children under 13.
    • Personal information from children under 13 years of age is collected.
    • Intended for parents or guardians.
    • Unclear whether company has actual knowledge that personal information from users under 13 years of age is collected.
    • The company does provide a section, heading, or separate policy for children in their policies.
    • Parental consent is required before personal information is collected or disclosed.
    • Unclear whether this product limits parental consent with respect to third parties.
    • Parents can withdraw consent for the further collection of their child's information.
    • Children's personal information is deleted if collected without parental consent.
    • Unclear whether this product provides parental consent notice and method for submission.
    School Purpose
    SCORE: 75%

    Is the product intended for school?

    • Intended for students.
    • Personal information or education records are collected from preK-12 students.
    • Intended for teachers.
    • Product is primarily used by, designed for, and marketed toward students in grades preK–12.
    • Processes to enter education records into the product are described.
    • Unclear whether additional rights or protections may be provided with an additional school contract.
    • Company is designated as a school official.
    • Parental consent obligations are transferred to the school or district.
    Individual Control
    SCORE: 20%

    Can I control the use of my data?

    • Unclear whether users can control the use of their information through privacy settings.
    • Use of information is limited to the purpose for which it was collected.
    • The context or purpose for which data are collected is indicated.
    • Unclear whether company may combine data with additional data from third-party sources.
    • Unclear whether this product treats combined information as personally identifiable information (PII).
    • Unclear whether notice is provided if the context in which data are collected changes.
    • Unclear whether consent is obtained if the practices in which data are collected change.
    • Unclear whether a grievance or remedy mechanism is available for users to file a complaint.
    • Unclear whether users can request to know what personal information has been shared with third parties.
    • Unclear whether notice is provided in the event the company receives a government or legal request for a user's information.

    Common Sense Standard Privacy Report (SPR)

    The standard privacy report (SPR) displays all the privacy practices from a product's policies in a single, easy-to-read outline. The report shows a green check mark for better privacy practices and an orange alert for risky or unclear practices. This alert indicates that more time should be focused on these particular details prior to use.

    About Privacy Evaluations

    The privacy evaluations have been designed with the help and support of a consortium of schools and districts across the United States. These evaluations are designed to help educators make informed decisions about the potential privacy implications of educational technology used to support teaching and learning.

    Our core evaluation criteria will always be freely available. People are encouraged to read the questions we use and our information security primer. Vendors are encouraged to use our questions and the information security primer to self-evaluate. You can also learn more about our evaluation process. Please be in touch with any questions or feedback.