The U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into alleged student-privacy violations tied to the National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement, warning colleges not to use student voting data for institutional purposes. The probe centers on data sharing practices involving Tufts University and the National Student Clearinghouse, raising compliance concerns for institutions that collect or access student civic-engagement records. The department’s move underscores rising federal scrutiny of campus data practices and privacy safeguards. Colleges and clearinghouses now face questions about permissible uses of aggregated or individual-level student data, and whether existing consent and de‑identification protocols meet federal standards. Expect compliance reviews, tightened agreements with vendors, and renewed guidance requests from campus privacy officers.