US schools can now add Microsoft’s AI safeguards to their contracts
From 1 November 2026, under Microsoft’s published timetable, all US school districts can add ten AI protections to their Microsoft agreements without waiting for renewal or renegotiating them. The agreement was negotiated with the AFT and UFT teachers unions.
The commitments prohibit training models on student and educator data, apart from a narrow security exception. They bar data sales and advertising uses, prohibit AI companions and require human review of high-risk decisions.
Schools retain control over data retention, export and deletion. The framework also provides for audits and breach reporting within 72 hours. These protections are contractually enforceable once incorporated; they are not a general law binding other suppliers. The number of districts that have already adopted them has not been established.