Microsoft signs enforceable AI privacy pact with teachers unions for schools
Microsoft agreed to ten contract-based AI safety rules with the American Federation of Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers, pledging not to train models on student or educator data.
Microsoft has entered a contract with the American Federation of Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers that outlines ten AI safety and privacy principles for K-12 schools. The deal obligates Microsoft not to use student or teacher data to train its AI models, to curb the amount of data it gathers, and to provide clear, plain-language explanations of its tools to families. It also bans AI companion applications and mandates human oversight for any high-risk AI-driven decisions.
The pact arrives after New York City and Los Angeles imposed year-long bans on student-facing AI tools, giving districts time to set appropriate safeguards. Starting in November, school districts may add these terms to new or existing agreements without a full contract overhaul. AFT President Randi Weingarten called the agreement "iron-clad" and essential because no other entity, including the federal government, has taken comparable action.
Why it matters
It creates legally binding limits on how AI can be used with student data, addressing privacy concerns in U.S. schools.
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