Microsoft and Teacher Unions Create AI Privacy Standard for US Schools

Microsoft, the American Federation of Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers introduced a National AI Safety & Privacy Standard for US schools, according to a joint announcement. School districts can add its protections to their Microsoft customer agreements, making the terms contractually enforceable.

The standard prohibits companies from using student or educator data to train AI models, selling the data or repurposing it. Schools retain control over how data is used, stored and deleted, while AI systems must include human oversight and safeguards against harmful or manipulative interactions.

Companies must also provide parents and educators with plain language information about data collection, product changes, risks and controls. Schools can decide when and how AI tools are used, terminate agreements and seek damages when providers breach the terms.