Sun Feb 16 08:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Viral TikTok Trend Misinforms Student Loan Borrowers About FERPA and Debt Forgiveness

**Washington, D.C.** – A viral TikTok trend advising student loan borrowers to file FERPA complaints to eliminate their debt is misleading, according to legal experts and consumer advocacy groups. The trend falsely claims that access to student loan data by Elon Musk and Dogecoin (DOGE) constitutes a FERPA violation allowing for loan forgiveness.

While a separate lawsuit filed by the University of California Students Association against DOGE’s access to student financial aid data, citing the Privacy Act of 1974, has temporarily halted data access, this is unrelated to the FERPA claims circulating on social media. The hold is set to expire Monday, and 16 senators, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have launched an investigation into DOGE’s access to student loan data.

Consumer law attorney Jay Fleischman (@moneywiselawyer) debunked the TikTok trend in a widely viewed video, explaining that FERPA (Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act) doesn’t grant individuals the right to sue for violations. The Supreme Court’s 2002 *Gonzaga v. Doe* ruling established this fact. Enforcement of FERPA rests solely with the federal government, specifically the Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. However, Fleischman highlights the weakening of these agencies, potentially leaving borrowers without recourse.

The Student Debt Crisis Center (SDCC) echoes this warning, stating they’ve never seen debt relief granted through FERPA claims. They advise borrowers against relying on this misinformation and urge them to remain current on their payments to avoid worsening their financial situation. While acknowledging the desire for widespread debt cancellation, the SDCC recommends exploring income-driven repayment plans, such as the SAVE plan, although ongoing legal challenges affect its implementation.

The SDCC stresses the importance of borrowers documenting their account information on studentaid.gov, given the uncertainties surrounding the Department of Education’s future and potential website changes. They further encourage contacting Congressional representatives to advocate for student loan borrowers and the preservation of the Department of Education. The SDCC emphasizes the need for clarity and stability for borrowers navigating an already complex and evolving situation.

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