Microsoft Adopts Strict AI Privacy Standards for Schools, But Will Others Follow?

Microsoft has agreed to adopt strict AI privacy standards for its tools in schools, as part of a deal negotiated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the country's second-largest teachers union. The agreement includes limits on using student data for training AI systems and prohibits features that foster emotional attachment or dependency.

The safety provisions are meaningful, but experts warn that they will only be effective if all AI companies sign on. Josh Golin, executive director of online safety nonprofit Fairplay, expressed concern that schools may think it's okay to use AI tools in classrooms because Microsoft is doing a good job on data privacy and safety.

The agreement does not address the question of whether AI products belong in classrooms or at what age they should be introduced. The AFT said the deal could set an industry standard, but two other leading AI companies, OpenAI and Anthropic, have yet to confirm their involvement.