SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –Under a new law sponsored by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, Illinois students will have stronger protections of their online data.

“With data of consumers becoming a booming industry, it’s important that we work to protect the data privacy—especially of children—from big corporations trying to increase their margins,” Hoffman said. “This new law restricts how websites and online apps can collect, compile, and disclose data collected from student.”

Hoffman’s legislation, Senate Bill 1796, creates prohibitions and obligations regarding the collection of data on websites or online apps that are primarily used by students in Illinois. Furthermore, the proposal creates data security guidelines that websites and apps must meet in order to protect student information from being hacked or accessed illegally. Additionally, the measure permits the Attorney General’s office to bring action against any individual or organization that hacks information or is negligent in protecting the online data of students.

The proposal received bipartisan support in the House and Senate and was recently signed into law by the governor.

“Big data-mining companies are oftentimes victims of hacks by cyber-criminals that are trying to steal personal information of consumers—this proposal helps protect students from falling victim to falling victim to a data hack,” Hoffman said. “I’m proud of the work we accomplished to protect children in our community. It was truly a bipartisan effort and I would like to thank my colleagues in the Legislature and the governor for their help with getting this proposal signed into law.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, recently passed legislation creating stronger protections of the online data of students across Illinois.

“The internet has become an integral part of everyday life and, as a result, consumer data has become a valuable commodity and big corporations are reaping the benefit,” Hoffman said. “My proposal strengthens online data protections for children in Illinois by restricting how websites and online apps can collect, compile, and disclose information collected on students.”

Hoffman’s proposal, Senate Bill 1796, creates prohibitions and obligations regarding the collection of data on websites or online apps that are primarily used by students in Illinois. Furthermore, the proposal creates data security guidelines that websites and apps must meet in order to protect student information from being hacked or accessed illegally. Additionally, the measure permits the Attorney General’s office to bring action against any individual or organization that hacks information or is negligent in protecting the online data of students.

“We need to work proactively and create strong protections to ensure we keep the online data of students out of the hands of cyber-criminals and data-companies looking to turn a profit by exploiting students’ online finger-print,” Hoffman said. “I would like to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that worked together to get this important measure passed and I urge the governor put Illinois at the forefront of protecting the data of students by signing this proposal.”

Senate Bill 1796 received bipartisan support and passed the House and Senate. It is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.