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Meeting Australian and NSW Privacy Standards

How we align with Australian federal and state (including New South Wales) requirements on privacy, data protection, and the safe use of digital tools in schools.

Alexandra Craciun avatar
Written by Alexandra Craciun
Updated this week

Overview

Socrative is a widely used education technology platform, helping schools organize assignments, feedback, and assessments in one secure, easy-to-use environment. With growing adoption across Australia, the platform aligns with Australian federal and state (including New South Wales) requirements on privacy, data protection, and the safe use of digital tools in schools.

Compliance with Australian Laws

1. Australian Privacy Act

Socrative is designed to align with the requirements of the Australian Privacy Act 1988, which regulates how personal information is collected, stored, and shared, particularly for minors.

Key safeguards include:

  • Encryption of data in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest

  • Regular independent security audits and penetration testing

  • Personal information is used only for educational purposes, never for advertising or resale

  • Schools and parents retain control over student data, including the right to request deletion

2. Data Handling and Security

  • Data Protection: All personal data is safeguarded using strict technical and organizational measures, including encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring.

  • Transfers: Where data is transferred internationally, it is protected through Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and other legally recognized safeguards.

  • Access Controls: Role-based access policies ensure that only authorized personnel can access personal data. Access rights are reviewed regularly.

  • Monitoring & Incident Response: Our systems are continuously monitored to detect and respond quickly to potential security incidents.

  • Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+): In 2025, we achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification — an independent UK-backed standard that validates the security of our systems, networks, and devices. This includes hands-on technical audits and testing against common cyber threats.

Compliance with NSW Department of Education Guidelines

1. NSW Department of Education & NESA Alignment

Socrative can be used in ways that support compliance with NSW-specific guidelines, including:

  • Teacher and parental oversight of student content

  • Verifying consent before publishing identifiable student information

  • Maintaining audit trails for assignments, grades, and communications

  • Supporting respectful digital citizenship and safe online learning practices

2. Practical Use in NSW Schools

The platform can be configured to support departmental guidance, such as enabling:

  • Teacher oversight

  • Parental access

  • Consent management

  • Secure record-keeping

Access to Documentation

Additional Points

  • No Advertising / No Data Selling: Showbie does not sell or rent user data and does not deliver third-party advertising.

  • Transparency & Accountability: Customer Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) are available and updated regularly.

  • Continuous Improvement: Privacy and security controls are reviewed regularly to align with evolving Australian and international standards.

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