A Zum spokesperson provided this response Thursday, Aug. 20, to an op-ed citing privacy concerns about the Zum parent ap associated with the company’s student bus services for Fresno Unified School District:

“Student privacy and safety are of paramount importance at Zum. We do not sell student data or share it for advertising or marketing purposes. Zum complies with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements governing student and children data privacy and maintains rigorous safeguards to protect the information entrusted to us by our district partners.

“The Zum Parent App is designed to give families real-time visibility into their children’s school bus journeys, including bus locations, estimated arrival times, and timely service notifications. Student information is encrypted, securely stored, and accessible only to authorized personnel. It is used solely to provide contracted student mobility services, support student safety, communicate timely information to families, and improve transportation operations in accordance with district requirements and applicable law.

“Families may also choose not to use the Zum Parent App; participation in the app is not required for a student to receive transportation services.

“Claims suggesting that Zum sells student data or that student information is used for unrelated corporate purposes are false. Zum takes our responsibility to safeguard student information extremely seriously and we are committed to transparency, security, and protecting the privacy of every student and family we serve.”