Microsoft Leads Charge on AI Safety Standards in Schools

Microsoft has agreed to adopt new AI privacy standards for schools, following negotiations with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The agreement includes provisions to protect student data and prevent its use for advertising or product development. Microsoft will also restrict the use of AI companions that foster emotional attachment or dependency in students.

The AFT said the agreement sets a high bar for child privacy and AI safety, and aims to set an industry standard. Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, stated that the company will extend this agreement to every school district across the country starting November 1.

The deal has raised questions about whether other tech giants, such as Google, will follow suit. The AFT has courted Google and AI companies, but the company has not yet responded to a request for comment on its plans. Josh Golin, executive director of online safety nonprofit Fairplay, expressed concerns that schools may think they can use AI tools if Microsoft is doing a good job on data privacy and safety.