The swift transition to online learning and assessment last year ignited a worldwide dialogue regarding the moral aspects of data gathering and distribution amongst remote proctoring services. As worries grew concerning the potential adverse effects of remote proctoring on the privacy of test-takers, we promptly began to communicate more openly about our testing procedures, service agreements, and data collection practices. Rapid legislative changes are occurring globally in this sector, and we are continually refining our policies and practices to guarantee the protection of test-taker data. Below, we will debunk the four most notable misconceptions regarding ProctorU’s privacy policies:

Myth #1: ProctorU profits from selling test-taker data.

Truth: ProctorU neither owns nor sells any data pertaining to test-takers. Rather, our institutional collaborators retain ownership of their respective test-taker data, and we function solely as a service provider. We are contractually bound NOT to sell or otherwise profit from any data pertaining to test-takers to external parties. We do not market to test-takers nor do we permit any of our service providers to do so.

Myth #2: ProctorU can access test-taker files without consent.

Truth: ProctorU cannot access test-taker files without their consent. Test-takers can monitor all activities of the proctor on their device and can revoke access at any time. Upon commencement of an online testing session, we provide precise disclosures regarding the data that will be gathered during the test session, how that data will be utilized and shared, and how the application that restricts internet access or other files while testing operates. The application does not grant anyone else access to the test-taker’s computer during the exam, nor does it impact the device once the test concludes.

Myth #3: ProctorU gathers highly sensitive information from test-takers.

Truth: ProctorU only gathers information from public records that is essential for verifying a test-taker’s identity, such as name, email address, or academic institution. ProctorU does not collect medical records, dates of birth, social security numbers, or any other information that could jeopardize a test-taker’s online safety. While a photo ID is mandatory before the test begins, all images are completely erased from our system after seven days.

Myth #4: Artificial intelligence flags will wrongfully accuse test-takers of dishonesty.

Truth: While we employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate repetitive tasks in order to alleviate administrative burdens and reduce stress for test-takers, we do not permit AI to make complex and consequential decisions such as determining if cheating has occurred. Our certified, trained, and human proctors meticulously observe every moment of a test-taker’s exam, whether during a live session or through a recording, enabling us to effectively distinguish between false flags and actual infractions. Discover more about our commitment to human-centered proctoring.

ProctorU is committed to offering transparent communication with our test-takers. We collaborated with students, educators, institutions, and various stakeholders to compose The Student Bill of Rights and initiate an open discussion about test-taker privacy and data security. Test-takers can also check our privacy policy at any moment and see the latest update date.

The article ProctorU Myth Busters: 4 Ways We DON’T Invade Our Test-takers’ Privacy first appeared on ProctorU.