By JC Bowman
There is an increasing need to examine the intersection of technology, data collection, and public education. Future governors and forward-thinking legislators should consider “biometrics,” which includes advanced technologies like facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and iris scans, as part of their policy concerns.
We have consistently monitored student data privacy and surveillance in schools, which aligns closely with emerging concerns about biometric technologies. These innovative tools are increasingly suggested for K-12 and higher education to track attendance, observe behavior, or improve security. Few people have enough information to assess whether we need it or not. But let’s be clear: they pose significant privacy risks—think of them as the digital equivalent of a nosy neighbor peering through your window with binoculars, only this time, the neighbor is a data-hungry algorithm that doesn’t respect personal space.
In a February 2025 editorial, “Data Collection, Transparency and Student Privacy,” we highlighted our long-standing advocacy for prioritizing student privacy to ensure that data practices don’t exploit vulnerable children, who are already dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence without the added stress of Big Brother watching.
Appropriate use of student data needs to balance educational progress with protection against misuse. If we wanted our kids treated like lab rats, we would have enrolled them in a science fair—and even then, we’d be concerned about the ethics of it. Transparency in tech implementation demands clear policies on how schools collect and share information.
We must focus on student privacy, advocating appropriate data use, and maintaining a balance between student protection and support for innovation. This stance is vital for biometrics, as these systems often involve permanent, immutable data (like facial scans) collected without full parental consent. It’s like handing the school a key to your house and asking them to water your plants—sounds great in theory until you find out they watered the cat instead.
In 2026, biometrics will become an even more important topic in U.S. education. Building on trends like AI-driven personalization and school safety efforts from the 2020s, tools such as facial recognition for attendance and emotion-detecting cameras raise privacy concerns. Experts warn that collecting biometric data is intrusive, especially as tech companies profit from student data. Low-income and minority students might face more surveillance, raising questions about the fairness of monitoring some students more than others.
So, what do we recommend? Here are some broader implications to consider: Legislative safeguards that support data privacy laws should clearly include safeguarding biometrics, making sure our rules keep up with these technological advances. Train educators in tech ethics, giving them the tools to navigate this digital landscape. After all, if they can’t understand the new technology, how can they use it responsibly? Increase parental empowerment and transparency to prevent “Trojan horse” surveillance in schools.
As we move forward into a future where technology and education merge, let’s make sure that student privacy isn’t the overlooked afterthought but a core principle guiding our actions. There is no such thing as perfect security, including biometric data.
As the world increasingly shifts to a digital landscape, our personal data is becoming more vulnerable to theft and hacking. Biometric data, in particular, is a highly sought-after asset for identity thieves and hackers, as it can be used to access sensitive information and accounts.
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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the association are properly cited. For more information on this subject or any education issue please contact Professional Educators of Tennessee. To schedule an interview please contact info@proedtn.org or 1-800-471-4867.
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