Microsoft Sets New Safeguards for AI Use in Schools

Microsoft has announced new safeguards for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools as part of an agreement with the United Federation of Teachers. The new AI Safety and Privacy Standard, set to take effect on November 1st, establishes enforceable guidelines for how AI should be used in educational settings.

Under this standard, student and educator data will not be used to train AI or sold to advertising agencies. This move aims to help schools maintain control over their data, including what is collected, retained, and deleted.

Families will also receive more information on how AI is being used in schools, the safeguards imposed, and what data is collected. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, stated that this agreement ensures three foundational goals: protecting children's privacy and data, giving schools control over AI tools, and providing transparency to parents.

The new standard also includes other key protections, such as limits on tracking, profiling, biometrics, memory, and higher-risk features. Additionally, providers are required to maintain certifications, report breaches within 72 hours, fix violations, encrypt data, and have incident response plans in place.