Protecting Student Privacy in a Digital Learning Environment
What This Bill Does
AB 1159 strengthens California's student privacy framework by closing gaps that allow sensitive student information to be collected, shared, or monetized without appropriate safeguards. The bill modernizes existing protections to reflect how education is delivered today, through digital platforms, online tools, and emerging technologies like generative AI.
The goal is straightforward: ensure students can learn online without putting their personal information at risk.
Why It Matters
From preschool through higher education, students increasingly rely on education technology every day. As classrooms adopt new digital tools, the volume and sensitivity of data collected about students has grown.
AB 1159 responds to this shift by:
- Addressing modern data privacy risks in education settings
- Ensuring safeguards keep pace with new technologies, including AI
- Protecting students and families from misuse of personal information
Students should be able to benefit from innovation in education without sacrificing their privacy.
Key Protections
AB 1159 would:
- Strengthen limits on how student data can be collected, shared, or monetized
- Close loopholes that leave sensitive personal information unprotected
- Clarify expectations for education technology providers
- Reinforce accountability so privacy rules are followed
These updates are designed to be practical, balanced, and aligned with how schools and students use technology today.
Broad Support
Since its introduction, AB 1159 has received support from educators, privacy advocates, and education organizations.
Education leaders emphasize the importance of protecting students as technology, especially AI, becomes more common in classrooms.
Privacy advocates highlight that students and families deserve confidence that required education tools meet strong privacy standards.
Together, these perspectives underscore a shared priority: safeguarding student data while supporting learning.
Where the Bill Is Now
AB 1159 has advanced out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee and now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
At a Glance
- Author: Assemblymember Dawn Addis
- Bill Number: AB 1159
- Focus: Student data privacy and education technology
- Status: Assembly Appropriations Committee
Learn More
AB 1159 reflects California's commitment to protecting students while adapting to the realities of modern education.