The article discusses growing concerns about the use of monitoring software, such as Classroom Cloud, in Belgian schools. A student, Emiel Bouckaert, highlights the potential for teacher surveillance extending beyond school hours and raises questions about data privacy.
Classroom Cloud, used by several Leuven schools, initially aimed to restrict internet access during exams. However, it also allows teachers to remotely view student screens, raising privacy issues. While schools claim to only use the software during school hours, instances of after-school monitoring have been reported. The software also offers keyword screening for potentially harmful content, though Leuven schools claim not to use this feature.
The article notes similar concerns from other schools and students nationwide. A school in Ghent terminated its contract with a monitoring software provider due to concerns about email access during breaks. Experts express reservations, questioning the proportionality of the surveillance and the schools' capabilities to manage data privacy effectively. The European GDPR regulations are cited as requiring explicit consent for data collection and processing.
A Leuven school acknowledged privacy concerns and apologized for delayed communication. The Catholic education network, while not against screen monitoring, wants to avoid a culture of constant surveillance. The PVDA party plans to raise the issue in parliament, citing the potential for misuse of the software by teachers. Minister of Education, Zuhal Demir, has ordered an investigation into digital learning platforms, emphasizing the need for transparency and preventing “Big Brother” scenarios.