Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department is taking steps to ensure that AI features embedded in platforms such as Google Workspace for Education are (a) disclosed and (b) consented to by (i) schools and (ii) parents before being made available to primary-aged pupils.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department is clear that safety is the top priority when making decisions around artificial intelligence (AI) in education, and any use of AI by pupils should be carefully considered and assessed, evaluating the benefits and risks.

The department’s ‘Generative AI: Product Safety Standards’ updated in January 2026, set out the expectations that AI products should meet to be considered safe for use in education, including safeguarding requirements during set-up of any AI services.

The department continues to encourage industry to ensure their products are compliant with the standards and is considering consulting on a certification scheme for generative AI products in education.

The department has developed ‘Data protection in schools’ guidance which provides sector specific guidance for schools on compliance with data protection legislation and lawful basis for processing personal data. This includes AI, and signposts to tools, policy and standards. If a school relies on consent as the lawful basis to process personal data, guidance states that they must make sure that consent is properly given. This includes getting permission from parents or carers when required.