Google Workspace can be safely used in education

So reports the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) based on research by SURF and SIVON to the House of Representatives today. In recent years, SURF and SIVON investigated the data and privacy risks when using Google Workspace in education. For safe use, however, schools have to take measures themselves. SURF and SIVON support schools and educational institutions in this.

Adjustment institutions

SURF and SIVON are proud of the result. Schools and educational institutions can continue to use Google Workspace safely. To safely use Google Workspace, educational institutions are advised to adjust certain settings and adopt the findings of SURF and SIVON. Some settings can only be adjusted in the paid version of Workspace for Education. For this reason, schools and institutions are advised to use only the paid version. The use of Chrome OS and Chrome browser for Chromebooks has also been investigated. Google has developed a special mode in ChromeOS upon request, which also keeps it safe to use in education. Board members of institutions still need to take their own measures to use ChromeOS safely. SIVON and SURF have written a manual to support schools and educational institutions in implementing the measures.

DPIAs and DTIAs

In recent years, SIVON and SURF have been investigating Google Workspace for use within education and research. So-called DPIAs and DTIAs were used to investigate whether there were privacy risks when using Workspace and Chrome OS. These investigations include both a legal review and a technical look at how personal data is used within the applications.

The full review of Google Workspace and Chrome OS has been completed after four years. SURF and SIVON remain in dialogue with Google to check that Google continues to comply with the agreements made.

SIVON and SURF are conducting these investigations in the interests of privacy for users in education and research. Together, we are committed to anchoring privacy agreements with vendors such as Google in contracts. In addition, these parties maintain continuous dialogue with vendors to ensure that pupils, students and staff can make safe and responsible use of (digital) educational services.

Supporting documentation

• DTIA Google Meet Workspace for Education
• New findings verification review Google Workspace for Education
• Updated Verification Report Workspace for Education - 17 May 2024
• Verification report Processor version Google Chrome for education - 7 March 2024
• Handleiding Chrome OS en Chrome browser
• Technische handleiding voor Google Workspace for Education
• Example of a local DPIA (website SIVON)