Microsoft Unveils New AI Safety Rules for US Schools

Microsoft has introduced new AI safety rules for US schools, aiming to protect student data and ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The agreement, announced on Wednesday, sets out legally enforceable protections covering student data, AI safety, transparency, and school control over AI tools. School districts can incorporate the safeguards into their Microsoft customer agreements, making them contractually enforceable.

Under the standard, student and educator data cannot be used to train AI models, sold or repurposed, while students cannot be tracked and schools retain control over how data is used, stored, and deleted. AI systems must operate with human oversight and include safeguards against harmful or manipulative experiences.

The AFT President Randi Weingarten said the agreement was intended to provide enforceable protections in the absence of meaningful federal and state rules governing AI in schools.