Current federal law allows education officials to share personal information of public school children to private companies selling education products. The information is stored in a database (a joint project of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) which already holds files on millions of children identified by name, address and social security number. This information should not be distributed without the prior written consent of the parent or guardian of the minor and legislation should be changed to make this a requirement. Federal officials say schools do not need parental consent to share student records with any "school official" who has a "legitimate educational interest," which includes private companies hired by the school. This loophole needs to be closed to protect the children.
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