AI & Student Privacy — 5 Things Every Teacher Must Know

Before using AI tools in your classroom, understand how to protect student data.

1. "It's just a name and class" — That's Still Personal Data

Under Hong Kong's Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO), any data that can identify an individual is personal data. Student name + class + grade is enough to identify a student.

2. How Free AI Tools Handle Your Data

Most free AI tools (ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini) state in their terms that your input may be used for model training. That student essay you uploaded? It could become training data.

Solutions:

• Turn off "Improve the model" in settings (available in ChatGPT and Claude)
• Use education-tier tools (Canva for Education, Google Workspace for Education)
• Never input student ID numbers, phone numbers, or addresses

3. AI Grading — What to Watch For

• Anonymize: Replace names with "Student A" before uploading
• Delete records: Delete the conversation after use
• Local first: Use locally-run AI models if available

4. Teaching Students About AI Privacy

• Don't enter your full name, address, or phone number
• Don't upload photos of ID cards or student cards
• Use school-provided tools, not unverified AI platforms

5. What Schools Should Do

• Create an approved AI tools list
• Annual teacher training on AI privacy
• Inform parents about how AI is used at school

Golden rule: If you wouldn't post a student's data on Facebook, don't put it into an AI chat. The privacy risk is the same.