California Bill Aims to Boost Student Data Privacy Protections

Proposed legislation would restrict how AI companies use student data and create new protections for college students

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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California is considering a new bill, Assembly Bill 1159, that would add new protections for students' personal data and restrict how technology companies can use that information. The bill comes as concerns grow over the proliferation of apps and online tools that collect vast amounts of student data, often without clear privacy safeguards. While California has been a leader in data privacy laws, experts say the state's existing student privacy rules have loopholes that allow many tech companies to continue packaging and selling students' personal information.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to close those loopholes and give students and parents more control over their personal data. It comes as the federal government is also seeking to collect increasing amounts of personal information, raising concerns about how that data could be used. The bill has drawn opposition from powerful tech industry groups, underscoring the high stakes involved in the debate over student privacy in the digital age.

The details

Assembly Bill 1159 would restrict how AI companies use student data and create new protections for college students. The bill would expand the number of education technology companies that fall under California's student privacy laws, though the language is still murky when it comes to apps or online services used outside of class. The bill would also give students and parents the right to sue tech companies in certain cases for privacy violations, a provision that has drawn opposition from business and technology groups.

  • In 2014, California passed a landmark student privacy law that prohibited technology companies from selling students' data, targeting students in advertising or disclosing their personal information.
  • In 2018, California passed another bill that required all companies give California users certain privacy rights, such as a chance to opt out of data collection and delete some of their information.
  • This year, Assemblymember Dawn Addis is carrying Assembly Bill 1159, which aims to add new protections for students' personal data.

The players

Assembly Bill 1159

A proposed California bill that would restrict how AI companies use student data and create new protections for college students.

Dawn Addis

A San Luis Obispo Democrat who is carrying Assembly Bill 1159.

California Labor Federation

A group that supports Assembly Bill 1159.

California Chamber of Commerce

A group that opposes Assembly Bill 1159.

TechNet

A trade association that represents many tech companies and opposes Assembly Bill 1159.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.