Microsoft reaches agreement on AI privacy rules for US schools
Microsoft in the United States has reached an agreement with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and its New York affiliate, the United Federation of Teachers, on safety and privacy rules for artificial intelligence systems in schools. The company agreed to 10 principles that school districts will be able to include in contracts with Microsoft, The Verge reports.
Protecting student and educator data
Among the terms of the agreement is a commitment not to train AI models on student or educator data. Microsoft also pledged to limit the amount of data it collects and explain how its tools work to families in clear language.
The arrangements provide for a ban on AI companions and require human review of decisions classified as high risk. These principles may be included in the contracts of school districts that choose to apply them.
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Terms for school districts
Starting in November, school districts will be able to add these provisions to new or existing agreements with Microsoft without having to fully renegotiate their contracts. The AFT is the second-largest teachers' union in the United States.
Annual AI restrictions
The agreement was reached a week after the school systems of New York and Los Angeles introduced year-long bans on AI tools for many students. According to The Verge, this period is intended to give districts time to determine appropriate ways to use the technology and the necessary safeguards.
AFT President Randi Weingarten called in May for screens to be banned for children through third grade, and for AI intended for direct student use to be banned through middle school.
