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Jun 23 2023
Is TalkingPoints FERPA, HIPAA, COPPA compliant 2023?

Does TalkingPoints meet all education privacy requirements for FERPA, HIPAA, COPPA compliance in 2023? No, and the onus is entirely on school administration to utilize the service only under certain circumstances, for example, by getting permission from legal guardianship, and by never disclosing any health related information. All schools must comply with privacy requirements for student personally identifiable information.

What is TalkingPoints? TalkingPoints is a cloud platform with enhanced translation, contextualized for education, using human translators and AI to translate messages into over 100 languages. Teachers can use a web browser or mobile app. With the parent mobile app, there is a text -to-speech feature that allows them to listen to the messages in their home languages. There’s no voice translation feature to use TalkingPoints to make phone calls. Here is an explanation for education compliance challenges:

  • Requires legal guardian permission, which could change over time, especially with migrants, for students under the age of 13.
  • “The School is solely responsible for, and represents and warrants it is in, compliance with COPPA and FERPA”.
  • “The School will not disclose any information to TalkingPoints that is protected health information (“PHI”) subject to the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”).
  • “Our product is not applicable for COPPA as our product does not require participation from children under 13. We are also exempt from CCPA as a nonprofit.“

TalkingPoints details under what circumstances their services are compliant for Education, however, the burden for compliance is on the educator to utilize correctly, not the service provider. Their intent is to comply, for example by not selling student information, but the responsibility for compliance is on the end users. Is it realistic for school administrators to expect 100% correct utilization of the service? During the Covid pandemic there were compliance exceptions for Emergency Use Authorization which ended effective May 9, 2023.

Resources:

  • https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html
  • https://intercom.help/talkingpoints/en/articles/5423034-coppa-and-agreeing-to-message-students-13-only
  • https://intercom.help/talkingpoints/en/articles/5720590-allowing-teachers-staff-to-add-student-contacts-to-existing-students-on-talkingpoints-student-messaging
  • https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/training/ferpas-complaint-process-explained
  • https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa

ESG Safe is a distributor of exceptional B2B and B2G products and services. Our SaaS Language Interpreter and Translation solutions check all the compliance boxes you need for automated language translation and interpretation solutions. With nothing to download or install, staff can communicate immediately, anywhere.

Christine 0 Comments
Jun 23 2023
Is Google Translate FERPA compliant in 2023?

Is Google Translate FERPA compliant for education use? No, the publicly accessible Google Translate is not compliant with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99. Any school that accepts federal funding by the U.S. Department of Education must comply with FERPA or risk funding loss.

Google Workspace for Education is FERPA compliant, however it does not include the Google Translate solution. Despite this, Google Translate is widely used in education. During the Covid pandemic there was an exception for Emergency Use Authorization which ended effective May 9, 2023. Google clearly explains their products are only compliant with FERPA when using Google Workspace for Education, a paid subscription service. Google Workspace for Education does include a solution for closed captioning, for example when using Google Slides.

Resources:

ESG Safe is a distributor of exceptional B2B and B2G products and services. Our SaaS Language Interpreter and Translation solutions check all the compliance boxes you need for automated language translation and interpretation solutions. With nothing to download or install, staff can communicate immediately, anywhere.

Christine 0 Comments
Jun 23 2023
Is Microsoft Translator FERPA compliant for education use?

Is Microsoft Translator FERPA compliant for education use? No, the publicly accessible Microsoft Translator is not compliant with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99. Any school that accepts federal funding by the U.S. Department of Education must comply with FERPA or risk funding loss.

Microsoft details which products and under what circumstances their services are FERPA compliant for Education, however the covered items do not include the Microsoft Translator solution. During the Covid pandemic there was an exception for Emergency Use Authorization which ended effective May 9, 2023. Microsoft clearly explains their role in FERPA compliance in the resources link below.

Resources:

ESG Safe is a distributor of exceptional B2B and B2G products and services. Our SaaS Language Interpreter and Translation solutions check all the compliance boxes you need for automated language translation and interpretation solutions. With nothing to download or install, staff can communicate immediately, anywhere.

Christine 0 Comments
Apr 11 2023
RFP Template For Foreign Language Interpretation and Translation Services

What should government Request for Proposals (RFP) include for Language Interpreter Services in 2023? Traditional RFP content are largely the same as they were ten or even twenty years ago, yet not only do we communicate differently today, the demand for services far outpaces practical availability. Technology is a huge part of our every day lives and RFP’s should be updated to include new options for translation and interpreter services.

Federal regulations require live human services if the person requests it. One could argue that’s out of date as well, but that’s the current situation. Does everyone want a live human solution? When someone ends up in the Emergency Room at 3 a.m. and it’s life or death, is there time to wait for the Swahili interpreter? When a teacher needs to speak with a non-English speaking parent, is the student better served with an immediate or same day conversation vs scheduled at some future date after coordinating for interpreter services? What if modern technology could provide an instant solution? Patients and students have better outcomes with improved communication at the time of need.

Technology solutions for translations and interpretations must meet business and regulated privacy needs. For example, The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99), is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. HIPAA can impact more than just medical institutions; for example, student and employee medical emergencies, where the data must be protected. Google has been repeatedly sued over privacy issues and in response created Google Workspace for Education so that schools could use some of the Google services; Google Translate, commonly found on school web sites, is not part of that.

Accuracy of automated translations and interpretation is important. We’re a global community with local dialects. For example, USA, Great Britain, and Australia have nuances to their versions of English; even within the US there are differences. Mexico, Guatemala and Spain have Spanish variations. Additionally, the meaning of words can change based on context; is a foot a body part or unit of measurement? When assessing accuracy, it’s critical to get some information about how context and dialects impact the language results.

Modern 2023 RFQ Template For Translations & Interpretation

Entity Name recognizes that technology may equal or surpass human Translations & Interpretation in speed, cost, and or accuracy. As these technologies are newly emerging, and specifications for delivery method may vary, Entity Name will consider all solutions that address Translations & Interpretations needs.

Accuracy requirements – Does your technology differentiate between different dialects, for example, Spanish versions? Does your technology differentiate between different context, for example, medical vs mathematical as in construction? How does your technology differentiate from other technology solutions for higher accuracy?

Does your technology differentiate from live interpreter solutions for higher accuracy? How?

Security requirements- What certifications do you have? Describe how you protect data.

Privacy requirements- What certifications do you have? Describe any specifics.

How do you protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII)?

Data requirements- What data does your solution store? What is the retention policy? Preference will be given to solutions that do not store data even temporarily.

What unique characteristics/capabilities set you apart from other technologies supporting Translation and Interpretation?

ITEMS FOR POINTS TO COMPARE BID OFFERS– ANSWER Y/N
Compliance: FERPA, COPPA, ADA, PII
Accuracy for the “primary languages” listed
speech to speech
speech to text
text to text
text to speech
Hybrid Automated & Live Interpretation
Security web microphone invulnerable to speech translation hacking
Simultaneous human interpretation on-site/online without traditional equipment
Converts voices of interpreters into multi-language television subtitles in real-time
Creates instant on-site and online multi-language captions
Offers contextual control (for example, school board presentation vs classroom)
One to many- Speaker presents in first language and users choose their preferred language for simultaneous translation
Supports different dialects
Speaker presents in first language, users read/speak their preferred language, and speaker hears/reads responses In English

Resources:

ESG Safe is a distributor of exceptional B2B and B2G products and services. For SaaS Foreign Language Interpreter and Translation solutions that checks all the boxes you need for automated language translation and interpretation solutions. With nothing to download or install, staff can communicate immediately, anywhere.

Christine 0 Comments
Mar 30 2023
Fuel tablets reduce emissions and fuel consumption

How can consumers and small businesses save on fuel and reduce climate harmful emissions? Blaze EcoTech patented quick dissolve solid additive technology. It’s a multi-functional catalyst formulation that works in all combustion engines, including cars, trucks, boats, small engines, large engines, and motorcycles and in all fuels, including gas, diesel and natural gas.

blaze ecotech invite code speedy

Historically, the manufacturer sold B2B, including for industrial equipment and heavy duty equipment. The fuel catalyst formula has been widely tested and is used globally. You can read some of the fuel tab case studies here, including Walmart, Route 66 Logistics, Inc., Davis County Sheriff’s Office, and Astec Industries Double Barrel Asphalt Plant.

Liquid additives for consumer cars have been around for years. Ready-to-use (RTU) plastic containers are a major problem for the environment from manufacturing to shipping and final disposition to landfills. In 2019, National Geographic said “plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Like our air, water and surface cleaner, Blaze EcoTech is sold as a small, solid tablet.

Add Blaze EcoTech to your fuel tank when filling up. Per Blaze Ecotech, most users experience fuel savings between 7% and 22%. With multiple variable factors impacting fuel mileage, it’s best to just try it yourself. I personally saw a bigger boost on my 2021 Mazda CX5 AWD fuel efficiency panel after the second fill up. This handy web site compares EPA and consumer shared data on automotive fuel efficiency so you can see how your car compares before you try it; Registration is not required to view the data. https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=yourMpgVehicle&src=mpg&id=43134

Benefits include:

  • Improves catalytic combustion
  • Reduces fuel consumption
  • Increases power
  • Reduces carbon and other harmful emissions
  • Prevents engine wear for reduced maintenance cost

Will it harm my engine or void my warranty? “Using the Fuel Tabs at the recommended dosage, will never cause damage to an engine. In fact, when used correctly and frequently, it will lengthen the life of your engine.” See the FAQ here for more information https://blaze-ecotech.com/.

How to buy Blaze Ecotech fuel tabs:

You need a StoplightGo.com account to buy them. An INVITE CODE is required. There is no cost to register and become a customer with StoplightGO, and or to get access to the Stores. There are two options right now:

  1. Get on the Waiting List/ Join now (for free) with invite code speedy and then shop immediately.
  2. Become a StoplightGO “driver” with invite code speedy. Learn more here https://stoplightgo.com/earn/

Resources:

  • https://blaze-ecotech.com/content/7-how-does-it-work

Blaze EcoTech

Blaze EcoTech is powered by CFORTH LLC. CFORTH is StoplightGO’s official supplier of Products and Services. Blaze EcoTech is StoplightGO’s distributor of a unique, patented and EPA registered fuel saving catalyst which is developed and produced by the Rennsli Corp in Utah, USA (www.rennsli.com).

Rennsli Corp & Ferox

Rennsli’s fuel catalyst has been patented in four jurisdictions (US, European Union, Canada and Australia) and it is also registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Rennsli-Ferox has, since 2008, shipped their products to satisfied customers in over 26 countries with a focus on the B2B industry.

ESG Safe is committed to delivering products and services to enhance business and community. Our products and services are best in class, and often innovative game changers. 100% Women owned small business enterprise. ESG Safe Founder, Christine Speedy, is a CFORTH StopLightGo Driver.

Christine 0 Comments
Mar 20 2023
Schools Using Google Translate Violating COPPA?

Google and YouTube to pay record $170 million for alleged violations of children’s privacy law according to a FTC press release. The FTC and New York Attorney General allege YouTube channels collected kids’ personal information without parental consent. As part of the settlement, Google agreed to create a Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) compliant solution. But are schools and students using it?

Schools must use Google Workspace for Education Core Services to comply with COPPA. Contractually, to use it, they must also get parental consent. Google Translate is not listed as a Google Workspace for Education service, therefore student use of Google Translate seems to be in violation of COPPA. Schools need to look elsewhere for a COPPA compliant language translation solution. Ask ESG Safe for automated, real-time language translation and interpretation solutions.

Below is the body of the original September 4, 2019 press release.

NOTE: The FTC hosted an IN-PERSON press conference at FTC Headquarters on September 4. The news conference was also webcast; view archival video here.

Participants included FTC Chairman Joe Simons and Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection Andrew Smith.

Google LLC and its subsidiary YouTube, LLC will pay a record $170 million to settle allegations by the Federal Trade Commission and the New York Attorney General that the YouTube video sharing service illegally collected personal information from children without their parents’ consent.

The settlement requires Google and YouTube to pay $136 million to the FTC and $34 million to New York for allegedly violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule. The $136 million penalty is by far the largest amount the FTC has ever obtained in a COPPA case since Congress enacted the law in 1998.

In a complaint filed against the companies, the FTC and New York Attorney General allege that YouTube violated the COPPA Rule by collecting personal information—in the form of persistent identifiers that are used to track users across the Internet—from viewers of child-directed channels, without first notifying parents and getting their consent. YouTube earned millions of dollars by using the identifiers, commonly known as cookies, to deliver targeted ads to viewers of these channels, according to the complaint.

The COPPA Rule requires that child-directed websites and online services provide notice of their information practices and obtain parental consent prior to collecting personal information from children under 13, including the use of persistent identifiers to track a user’s Internet browsing habits for targeted advertising. In addition, third parties, such as advertising networks, are also subject to COPPA where they have actual knowledge they are collecting personal information directly from users of child-directed websites and online services.

“YouTube touted its popularity with children to prospective corporate clients,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons. “Yet when it came to complying with COPPA, the company refused to acknowledge that portions of its platform were clearly directed to kids. There’s no excuse for YouTube’s violations of the law.”

The YouTube platform allows Google account holders, including large commercial entities, to create “channels” to display their content. According to the complaint, eligible channel owners can choose to monetize their channel by allowing YouTube to serve behaviorally targeted advertisements, which generates revenue for both the channel owners and YouTube.

In the complaint, the FTC and New York Attorney General allege that while YouTube claimed to be a general-audience site, some of YouTube’s individual channels—such as those operated by toy companies—are child-directed and therefore must comply with COPPA.

The complaint notes that the defendants knew that the YouTube platform had numerous child-directed channels. YouTube marketed itself as a top destination for kids in presentations to the makers of popular children’s products and brands. For example, Google and YouTube told Mattel, maker of Barbie and Monster High toys, that “YouTube is today’s leader in reaching children age 6-11 against top TV channels” and told Hasbro, which makes My Little Pony and Play-Doh, that YouTube is the “#1 website regularly visited by kids.”

Several channel owners told YouTube and Google that their channels’ content was directed to children, and in other instances YouTube’s own content rating system identified content as directed to children. In addition, according to the complaint, YouTube manually reviewed children’s content from its YouTube platform to feature in its YouTube Kids app. Despite this knowledge of channels directed to children on the YouTube platform, YouTube served targeted advertisements on these channels. According to the complaint, it even told one advertising company that it did not have users younger than 13 on its platform and therefore channels on its platform did not need to comply with COPPA.

Settlement with the FTC

In addition to the monetary penalty, the proposed settlement requires Google and YouTube to develop, implement, and maintain a system that permits channel owners to identify their child-directed content on the YouTube platform so that YouTube can ensure it is complying with COPPA. In addition, the companies must notify channel owners that their child-directed content may be subject to the COPPA Rule’s obligations and provide annual training about complying with COPPA for employees who deal with YouTube channel owners.

The settlement also prohibits Google and YouTube from violating the COPPA Rule, and requires them to provide notice about their data collection practices and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children.

The Commission voted 3-2 to authorize the complaint and stipulated final order to be filed. Chairman Simons and Commissioner Christine S. Wilson issued a statement on this matter, while Commissioners Noah Joshua Phillips, Rohit Chopra, and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter issued separate statements.

The complaint and proposed consent decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Consent decrees have the force of law when approved and signed by the district court judge.

Christine 0 Comments
Mar 16 2023
Translation Services For Hospitals Review

Medically accurate HIPAA compliant translation services driven by cloud technology are solving growing staffing and regulatory compliance problems. Automated medical interpretation solutions improve patient engagement, for better health care, quality, safety, and patient outcomes vs live interpretation alone. This article highlights how services are evolving.

Translations: Free solutions to translate documents, forms, and presentations like Google Translate and Microsoft Translator don’t cut it. They do not meet privacy requirements nor accuracy needed for medicine. Paid solutions vary widely in cost, accuracy, services offered and turnaround time.

Telephonic Interpreting: Demand is off the charts. The number of languages spoken cannot be met with internal staff alone. Phone service is not fast enough for emergency rooms; the outcome for delays could mean death.

Automated translation and interpretation: No waiting! When contextualization is added by translating entire sentences, not just words, in the dialect and related industry, accuracy reaches new heights. By reducing manual human translation, hospitals can increase productivity significantly. With new technology, users can choose from speech to speech, text to text, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the capability for an entire audience to listen in their own language and dialect simultaneously, and for doctors and intake personal to hear or read in English is a game changer for real-time communication.

Ask ESG Safe for a SaaS solution that checks all the boxes you need for automated language translation and interpretation solutions. With nothing to download or install, staff can communicate immediately with patient and caregivers. All translation solutions are transient, encrypted and secure. No patient personal identifiable information (PII) nor patient health information is ever captured.

Christine 0 Comments
Jan 26 2023
Accurate automated language translation for hospitals

Current translators breaking the budget? Delays impacting care management? Not enough translators for the number of languages spoken in your community? From patient intake forms to discharge and follow up care instructions, everything can be automated. Our HIPAA compliant medical interpretation solutions promote patient engagement to improve health care quality, safety, and patient outcomes.

  • Translate speech to text and text to speech in over 64 languages.
  • Translate text to text in over 90 languages.
  • Translate speech to speech in over 40 languages.
  • Translate voice to subtitles in over 90 languages.


This SaaS solution checks all the boxes you need to use an automated language translation solution. With nothing to download or install, your staff can communicate immediately with patient and caregivers simultaneously in their preferred language and dialect. Achieve instant ADA Compliance in minutes while generating real-time captions, subtitles, and translated voices. All translation solutions are transient, encrypted and secure. Forms  are translated and documents instantly read aloud in any selected language.

ESG Safe is committed to delivering products and services to enhance business and community. Our products and services are best in class, and often innovative game changers. 100% Women owned small business enterprise.

Christine 0 Comments