Understanding SB29:
How Senso Continues to Support Student Privacy in Ohio
June 13th 2025 | 4min read
Supporting Student Safety
In this article we wanted to reiterate and re-enforce how Senso continues to support student safety not only through the products and services we provide but the actions we take.
How Senso Complies with Ohio’s SB29 and Continues to Put Schools in Control of Student Data
At Senso, safeguarding students while upholding their right to privacy is at the heart of everything we do. As a trusted partner to schools across the U.S., we understand the responsibility we carry—not only to protect students but also to support schools in meeting evolving data privacy standards.
With the introduction of Ohio Senate Bill 29 (SB29), schools and edtech providers alike have been required to meet stricter regulations around how student data is collected, used, and protected. We’re fully aligned with this direction, and we want to take this opportunity to explain exactly what SB29 means—and how Senso is built to support it.
What is SB29 and Why Does it Matter?
SB29 is part of a growing movement to strengthen student data privacy laws across the United States. The legislation was introduced to ensure that educational institutions—not third-party vendors—retain full control over student data.
It explicitly prohibits edtech companies from using student data for any commercial purpose, such as advertising or profiling, and reinforces the need for clear governance, transparency, and consent in the use of any student data.
This bill reflects an important principle: schools should be empowered to use technology to protect and educate students without sacrificing their privacy in the process. As principals in the safeguarding space, we believe this legislation is a positive step—and aligns fully with the values Senso has always stood for.
Senso is Fully Compliant with SB29
We understand there may be uncertainty or mixed messages around what SB29 means in practice—especially when it comes to safeguarding platforms. Some districts have questioned whether tools like Senso Safeguard Cloud remain compliant.
The answer is of course: YES
Senso is compliant with SB29—and we’re committed to working directly with schools to provide the clarity and confidence they need to continue using safeguarding tools responsibly.
If you or your team have questions about how SB29 applies to Senso, or would like more detailed documentation, we’re here to help.
So How do we Comply with SB29?
Senso was already compliant with these requirements before this bill was introduced, here is how we do it:
- ✔ Senso does not—and has never—used student data for commercial purposes.
- ✔ We act solely as a data processor, operating under the direction and control of the school or district.
- ✔ All student data remains owned and controlled by the school. We do not share, sell, or repurpose it.
- ✔ Our platform includes robust technical and administrative controls to ensure all data is protected and handled securely.
- ✔ Senso is aligned with all relevant U.S. federal privacy regulations, including FERPA, COPPA, and the principles outlined in SB29.
How Senso Can Help
Our safeguarding tools, including keyword monitoring, are designed to provide schools with early warning indicators— helping to identify risks such as bullying, mental health concerns, or exposure to harmful content.
However, these tools are fully configurable, operating entirely within the boundaries set by the school, and are never used to profile or monetize students in any way.
Our Commitment:
Safety and Privacy, without Compromise
Safeguarding students is essential—but it shouldn’t come at the cost of privacy.
At Senso, we’ve designed our platform to ensure schools never have to make that trade-off.
By giving schools complete control, operating transparently, and never using student data for commercial purposes, Senso delivers on both fronts: protecting students, and respecting their rights. If you're interested in seeing how Senso’s tools can help your school meet compliance standards, request a demo to get a closer look at how we can support your efforts.
