> This is simply untenable. Institutions of all kinds have been keeping records connected to individuals for millennia.

This is the reason privacy is needed.

> Try to run a school when you can’t maintain data on the students.

Yes, we should try this. Zero-knowledge proofs and other modern technology allows for this. Even the first step of not selling or using student data for commerce is an easy step.

Those who think that we should not try to improve because our privacy is already compromised, should step aside.

Teachers sending encrypted report cards home with zero-knowledge proofs attached?

Reports they can never again consult when gauging a student’s progress over time?

Say what you will, but at least it’s an ethos!