Every day, there is something new for our educators to learn to get through on a regular Tuesday. This proved true, effective September 1, 2024. Digital service providers must protect minors from harmful content and data collection practices. This includes services such as websites, apps, and software. AristotleK12 has processes in place to protect our customers from this.

What is Texas House Bill 18? (“SCOPE”)

Texas House Bill 18, formally known as the Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment (“SCOPE”) Act, was implemented to prevent minors from data collection.

“An act relating to the protection of minors from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices in connection with the use of certain digital services and electronic devices, including the use and transfer of electronic devices to students by a public school.” (H.B. No. 18)

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These specific services include school-owned software up to the actual firewall implemented in a school district. All digital service providers in Texas will have to comply with the following requirements.

Texas House Bill 18:

• Register the Age of the User
• Limit collection and use of minor’s personal information and cannot sell or share information
• Have a strategy to prevent a minor’s exposure to harmful content
• Inform about using an algorithm and how it is used to rank content
• Give guardians of minors the ability to supervise the use of service
• Prevent advertisers from targeting minors with ads
• If harmful or obscene content is produced, age verification is needed
  
  

A violation of the SCOPE Act could result in civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

How will AristotleK12 operate after the ruling?

The short answer is that AristotleK12 will operate the same way it did previously. For 25 years, we have championed privacy and understand these issues. That’s the assurance you receive from us.  With new data privacy laws in states like Ohio and Texas, there’s an excellent opportunity to enhance student protection. We’re here to make that process more manageable and support these positive changes.

We at AristotleK12:

• Do not sell or share personal information
• Have filtering processes in place to prevent harmful content
• Give guardians the ability to supervise through Aristotle Parent
• Provide the flexibility needed to assist with your district’s ever-changing needs 

We understand that at times like these, school districts or educators worry about how rulings will impact their daily lives. AristotleK12’s mission is to make life easier by staying informed about current events and their potential impact on you. Educators deserve clear communication, not limitations and misinformation.

This document is not intended as legal advice but instead serves as a directive on how AristotleK12 operates in relation to Texas House Bill 18.

If you’d like to learn more about AristotleK12, schedule a demo or call us at 866-748-5227.