Microsoft Complies with Sweeping AI Privacy Rules for Students

Microsoft has announced that it will adopt sweeping AI privacy rules for students in its educational tools. The agreement, negotiated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), includes provisions to protect student data and prevent the use of AI companions or features designed to foster emotional attachment or dependency.

The AFT says the agreement sets a high bar for child privacy and AI safety, and will be extended to every school district across the country. The standards will apply to all schools with Microsoft contracts starting November 1st.

Josh Golin, executive director of online safety nonprofit Fairplay, worries that the agreement may give teachers and administrators a false sense of security about using AI in classrooms. He notes that many smaller companies produce AI-driven educational technology products, which are often used by schools without proper safeguards.

The AFT is also negotiating with other major AI companies, including Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, to adopt similar safety and privacy standards. However, Google has not yet committed to such measures, despite being the dominant provider of education technology for America's schools.