{"id":5585,"date":"2026-06-11T17:46:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T17:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/?p=5585"},"modified":"2026-06-11T17:46:35","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T17:46:35","slug":"trust-us-isnt-enough-why-third-party-coppa-certification-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/trust-us-isnt-enough-why-third-party-coppa-certification-matters\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cTrust Us\u201d Isn\u2019t Enough: Why Third-Party COPPA Certification Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Schools Need More Than Privacy Claims from EdTech Providers<\/em><\/h3>\n

As schools continue expanding their use of digital learning tools and online assessments, one question is becoming impossible to ignore:<\/p>\n

How do educators know which platforms truly protect student privacy?<\/em><\/p>\n

That question is especially important when younger learners are involved. Schools are increasingly expected to evaluate not only whether a tool is effective, but whether it responsibly handles student data and safeguards children online. <\/p>\n

Recently, education leaders have begun pushing back against the idea that companies should simply be trusted to self-certify their products. During a panel discussion on education technology and data privacy at George Washington University law school, Richard Culatta, ISTE+ASCD CEO, summarized the issue clearly: \u201cWe have the companies that are building these tools going, \u2018Oh, our tools are good. For real, you guys, it\u2019s good! Trust us.\u2019 Nope, that is not good enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

That statement reflects a growing reality in education technology: claims alone are no longer sufficient. Schools, districts, and families need independent verification that platforms meet rigorous privacy and safety standards.<\/p>\n

At Language Testing International\u00ae (LTI), we agree.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why the AAPPL and ALIRA<\/a> testing platforms are not simply \u201cCOPPA aware\u201d or \u201cCOPPA aligned.\u201d They are independently certified through a third-party COPPA Safe Harbor program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t just say student privacy matters. We certify it.<\/p>\n

What Is COPPA?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Children\u2019s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)<\/a> is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the online privacy of children under 13. The law regulates how websites, apps, and online services collect, store, and use children\u2019s personal information.<\/p>\n

For schools using online educational tools, COPPA compliance is not optional. Platforms must demonstrate responsible data practices, provide transparency around data collection, and maintain safeguards that protect students from misuse or unauthorized sharing of information.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s educational environment, where online testing, AI-powered learning tools, and digital platforms are increasingly common, those protections matter more than ever.<\/p>\n

Why Third-Party Certification Is Different<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many organizations state that they are \u201cCOPPA compliant.\u201d But self-reported compliance and independent certification are not the same thing.<\/p>\n

Third-party COPPA certification means an external organization that is approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reviews a platform\u2019s privacy practices, security measures, policies, and procedures against established standards approved by the FTC.<\/p>\n

That independent review creates accountability.<\/p>\n

It means schools and families do not have to rely solely on vendor promises. Instead, they can trust that an outside entity has verified that the platform meets specific privacy and child-protection requirements.<\/p>\n

Read more: <\/strong>Online Testing and Student Safety: Why COPPA Certification Matters<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Why This Matters for AAPPL\/ALIRA <\/strong><\/h3>\n

AAPPL is designed for language learners in grades 3-12. Because of that, privacy and student safety are foundational considerations.<\/p>\n

When schools administer online assessments, they entrust providers with student information, testing data, and digital access. District leaders need confidence that those systems are built with responsible safeguards from the start.<\/p>\n

Independent COPPA certification helps provide that confidence.<\/p>\n

For educators and administrators, it means:<\/p>\n