HumanPersonAug 18, 2023

School Spyware

https://sh.itjust.works/post/3161393

School Spyware - sh.itjust.works

Hi. My school just started issuing devices last year, and they have this Lightspeed spyware on them. Last year I was able to remove it by booting into Linux from a flash drive and moving the files to a separate drive and then back at the end of the year. This year I have heard from sources that they have ways of detecting someone booting from Linux so I am hesitant to do that option. My only other idea is to buy an old laptop off eBay that looks like it and install Linux on it. I could probably get one for about 50€. Does anyone have any cheaper ideas? Oh also talking to IT isn’t an option.

Show threadgoryramsyAug 19, 2023
I work for a school and I provision these types of devices. You do not want to modify or change anything about them, as it probably breaks your acceptable use policy. If they allow you to bring your own device, then do that. But do not change the device they give you in any manner. Just don’t use school property for things you want to be private. It works the exact same way with anything owned by any organization you may work for in the future. They own the device, they set the terms. And your excuse of 'it does not break policy' or 'it is not against the law' is ridiculous, as policy is intentionally broad for this reason, and the law requires you to not interrupt normal classroom activities. If the school lets you, bring your own device. Otherwise, tough luck, seems like you won't be able to play your games.
Show threadtriplenadirAug 19, 2023

trivialising a student’s desire for privacy as being about playing videogames is a lot more ridiculous than anything the OP said.

maybe rethink your uncritical support for surveillance, and either organise with your coworkers to make your school’s policies more respectful of its students, or find a less unethical job.

Show threadgoryramsyAug 20, 2023

uncritical support for surveillance

We are, by law, required to keep this information. However, unlike many other schools, we have a byod policy that allows students to use their own device to essentially bypass this 'surveillance'.

Show threadtriplenadirAug 20, 2023

pressing X to doubt that you only help keep information on students that you’re required to by law.

and, something being legally required doesn’t mean you need to enthusiastically support it in an online discussion.

Show threadgoryramsy

pressing X to doubt that you only help keep information on students that you’re required to by law.

If we were keeping private information, or information out of scope of the law, we would be arrested for illegally keeping children's data. And I am telling you, and op, that schools are required to do this, and tampering with a device that the schools owns is not a good idea.

Aug 21, 2023 at 2:06amWeb
Show threadtriplenadirAug 24, 2023

this just sounds even less believable: you’re in a jursidiction where the amount of data you have to store on students is exactly specified, and you’re liable to prosecution for storing any single piece of data less or more? I would appreciate extraordinary evidence for this extraordinary claim.

anyway, even if that’s true, you could be using your knowledge to help privacy-conscious students like OP, instead of throwing a rulebook at them and casting aspersions about their motivations. I return to “reconsider your views, and the impact of your job”.