U.S. schools implement AI safety standards and restrictions

Educational institutions in the United States are navigating a complex landscape regarding the integration and regulation of artificial intelligence. A new “National AI Safety & Privacy Standard” has been established by Microsoft, the American Federation of Teachers, and the United Federation of Teachers. This agreement aims to protect student and educator data by prohibiting its use for training AI models, selling information, or tracking students, while ensuring human oversight for AI-driven decisions.

Simultaneously, many school districts are implementing strict restrictions. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a ban on student-facing AI materials for elementary and middle school students for the 2026-2027 school year. California has also seen legislative action, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing bills to implement AI safeguards and auditors. The Los Angeles Unified School District has restricted access to generative AI platforms while reviewing safety procedures.

Despite these restrictions, some schools are exploring AI for advanced assessment. The company Legend.org is developing tools to help teachers evaluate academic and soft skills, such as communication and collaboration, through non-traditional report cards. However, student pushback remains a factor, with some voicing concerns over the use of flawed, AI-generated classroom materials and perceived double standards between teacher and student usage.