Providing access to education for everyone has always been at the core of Learning Platform’s mission, and it is with deep regret that we have had to make a change to our accessibility in some countries.
Certain United States export control regulations prohibit U.S. businesses, such as MOOC providers like Learning Platform, from offering services to users in sanctioned countries, including Cuba, Iran, Sudan, and Syria. Under the law, certain aspects of Learning Platform’s course offerings are considered services and are therefore subject to restrictions in sanctioned countries, with the exception of Syria (see below).
Our global community is incredibly valuable to us and we remain committed to providing quality to education to all. During this time, we empathize with the frustrations of students who are affected by this change and we have made it a top priority to make rapid progress toward a solution.
What will happen to students attempting to access Learning Platform from sanctioned countries?
As of this week, students attempting to log into course pages on our site or create new accounts will be restricted from access to these resources. It will still be possible to browse the course catalog and explore the Learning Platform website and blog, which are considered public information rather than services and therefore not subject to restrictions.
What is Learning Platform doing to address this issue?
Learning Platform is working very closely with the U.S. Department of State and Office of Foreign Assets Control to secure permissions to reinstate site access for students in sanctioned countries. The Department of State and Learning Platform are aligned in our goals and we are working tirelessly to ensure that blockage is not permanent.
Why has this not been an issue in the past?
Until now the interpretation of export control regulations as they relate to MOOCs has been unclear and Learning Platform has been operating under the interpretation that MOOCs would not be restricted. We recently received information that has led to the understanding that the services offered on Learning Platform are not in compliance with the law as it stands. Accordingly we have instituted a restriction in compliance with the current export controls to ensure that our business remains in good standing with the law.
How is Learning Platform identifying students in sanctioned countries?
Learning Platform has implemented an IP address block that prevents users in sanctioned countries from logging into a Learning Platform account. When attempting to sign in, these users will see a message explaining that we cannot allow them to access the site due to U.S. export control restrictions. In rare instances, students with IP addresses bordering on but not geopolitically within the bounds of these countries will be affected. Our engineers are working to mitigate this issue while pursuing a broader solution to the restrictions.
What is being blocked in Syria?
Learning Platform has received notice from the Department of State that the services we provide fall under an exception (according to OFAC’s Syria General License No. 11A), which authorizes certain services in support of nongovernmental organizations’ activities in Syria, particularly as they pertain to increasing access to education. This came to our attention after we initiated the blockage, however since learning about the exception, we have restored full access to students in Syria.
During this difficult time, we thank the Learning Platform community for your patience and continued support as we work to ensure that students worldwide have access to a great education.