Article Summary –
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and Microsoft have reached a groundbreaking agreement to establish privacy standards for the use of artificial intelligence in schools, aimed at safeguarding student data from being used for AI model training, advertising, or product development. This agreement, which includes 10 legally enforceable guardrails, comes amidst a lack of federal legislation on AI in education, leading to varied state and local regulations and growing parental concerns about data privacy. Other tech companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are considering similar agreements with the AFT, while a survey indicates strong parental support for more stringent AI regulations in schools.
The American Federation of Teachers and Microsoft in September agreed to establish privacy standards for artificial intelligence use in schools.
As the first agreement of its kind, this initiative by AFT, the second-largest teachers union in the U.S., aims to safeguard personal information amid students’ increasing AI usage like chatbots.
The agreement includes 10 enforceable guardrails, prohibiting Microsoft from using student or teacher data to train AI unless necessary for student protection. It also bans data sales, advertising, or product development.
“We have forged a hard-fought, iron-clad privacy agreement with real teeth that protects students and families, because no one else, including the federal government, has stepped up to do the real work,” stated AFT President Randi Weingarten in a Sept. 9 press release. “Anything less than legally enforceable provisions is simply a wish list.”
With no federal legislation on AI in schools, AFT officials noted the agreement fills a gap, as state and local laws vary. For instance, Los Angeles has banned AI in public schools, while New York City limits its use in elementary and middle schools.
Nationwide, parents demand more regulation on AI and children, citing concerns over sensitive data collection and sales.
In May, Weingarten advocated for a screen ban for pre-K to second grade and ending “student-facing AI in elementary schools.” She also called for banning social companion chatbots for those under 16.
“We are at a crossroads that will define the future of work and society,” Weingarten declared in a May 27 speech. “Without proper oversight and strong guardrails, there will be real dangers to our safety and privacy.”
A February survey by Echelon Insights for the National Parents Union showed 65% of parents want more done to protect students’ personal data. Nearly 79% believe minors should need parental permission before using AI chatbots.
Other tech companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are exploring privacy agreements with AFT, the Associated Press reported. Google has yet to confirm similar plans.
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