DATA PROTECTION AND DIGITAL SURVEILLANCE IN EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS: LEGAL CHALLENGES IN THE FACE OF THE GENERAL DATA PROTECTION LAW (LGPD)

Abstract

This paper comparatively analyzes the legal frameworks for personal data protection applicable to the education sector in different jurisdictions, with a special focus on Brazil's General Data Protection Law (LGPD), the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and sectoral legislation in the United States, such as FERPA and COPPA. The research is based on the observation that the intensive digitalization of educational environments has transformed schools and universities into highly datafied spaces, in which the processing of personal data has become central to institutional functioning. Using a qualitative and exploratory approach, the study identifies convergences and divergences between regulatory models, especially regarding the regulatory scope, legal bases for processing, the protection of sensitive data, data subject rights, and governance and enforcement mechanisms. The conclusion is that, although there are common principles across the different legal systems, such as purpose, transparency, and security, practical requirements vary significantly, requiring educational institutions to adopt a proactive and ethical approach to data management, aiming to protect privacy and promote a democratic and inclusive digital culture.