Galicia proposes digital education law regulating AI and chatbots

The Xunta de Galicia has introduced a draft Digital Education Law that establishes specific regulations for the use of artificial intelligence in schools. The proposal allows for the use of educational chatbots to answer student questions outside of school hours, as well as AI tools to correct certain tests, generate exercises, adapt materials, and detect learning difficulties.

To ensure human oversight, the law mandates a ‘reserve of humanity and effective human supervision,’ stating that AI must serve as an auxiliary tool rather than a substitute for teachers. Consequently, AI will be prohibited from making autonomous grading decisions or replacing human interaction. The regulation also bans the use of AI for facial recognition or emotional analysis in educational settings.

Regarding device usage, the draft limits continuous individual computer use until the 4th grade of Primary school and permits the pedagogical use of mobile phones only starting from the 3rd year of ESO. The bill is currently in Parliament, where political groups have requested additional time to prepare amendments.