Article Summary –
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and Microsoft have agreed on a set of privacy standards designed to protect personal information as student use of artificial intelligence increases, including ten legally enforceable guardrails ensuring Microsoft does not use student or teacher data for AI model training, sales, advertising, or product development. This initiative comes amid a lack of federal regulation on AI in schools, leading to varied state and local laws, as seen in places like Los Angeles and New York City, where AI use is restricted in schools. Survey data indicates strong parental support for stricter AI regulation in schools, with 65% advocating for more robust data protection measures and 79% supporting parental consent for minors using AI chatbots; other tech companies, such as OpenAI and Anthropic, are reportedly considering similar agreements with AFT.
The American Federation of Teachers and Microsoft agreed in September to adopt AI privacy standards for schools.
Billed as a unique agreement by AFT, the country’s second-largest teachers union, these standards aim to protect personal data amid students’ increased use of AI like chatbots.
The agreement features 10 enforceable rules prohibiting Microsoft from using students’ or teachers’ data for AI training, advertising, or product development, except when needed to protect students.
“We have forged a tough privacy agreement protecting students and families, as others, including the federal government, have not,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a Sept. 9 press release. “We can get angrier or act decisively; anything less than enforceable provisions is a wish list.”
AFT noted this agreement comes amid a lack of federal legislation for AI in schools, leaving state and local laws to manage it. Los Angeles, for example, largely banned AI use in schools. New York City is limiting AI use in public schools.
Parents nationwide have urged more regulation on AI and children, often raising concerns about data collection and sales to third parties.
In May, Weingarten called for a screen ban for pre-K through second grade students and an end to AI in elementary schools. She advocated for banning social companion chatbots for those under 16.
“We are at a crossroads defining the future of work and society,” Weingarten said during a May 27 speech. “Without oversight and guardrails, there are real dangers to safety, privacy, and society.”
Most parents back stricter AI regulations in schools, according to a February survey by Echelon Insights. In the survey, 65% of parents said more needs to be done to protect students’ data, and 79% believe minors should get parental permission before using AI chatbots.
Other tech companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are reportedly considering privacy agreements with AFT, the Associated Press reported. AP noted Google has not confirmed pursuing a similar deal.
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