Microsoft is working with the American Federation of Teachers to work out how best to use AI in the classroom (www.techradar.com)

Microsoft has reached a significant agreement with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) to establish legally enforceable standards for AI use in U.S. classrooms. This collaboration comes in the wake of unsuccessful federal efforts to create protective legislation against AI overreach in education. Under the new National AI Safety & Privacy Standard, critical safeguards are put in place, ensuring that student and teacher data cannot be used to train AI models, monetized, or mismanaged, thereby promoting privacy and transparency. The implications of this agreement are profound for the AI/ML community, as it sets a high standard for child privacy and AI safety within educational settings. With tight regulations in place, schools will gain greater control over AI tools, enabling them to foster a healthier balance between technology and classroom engagement. Microsoft aims to extend these protections nationwide, enhancing the overall safety and privacy framework for students and educators alike. This initiative also complements recent localized bans on AI usage in major school districts, further underscoring the pivotal role of informed data governance in shaping AI’s role in education.