Sans Safeguards, AI in Education Risks Deepening Inequality - GovTech

UNESCO's new report "AI and Education: Protecting the Rights of Learners" examines how artificial intelligence and digital technology can transform education while warning about potential risks to human rights and equality.

The report reveals that while AI offers significant opportunities to enhance learning experiences, it also poses serious challenges including deepening the digital divide, exploitation of student data, and erosion of essential human connections in education. UNESCO emphasizes that nearly one-third of the global population still lacks internet access, with women being 25 percent less likely than men to possess basic digital skills. The organization stresses that effective learning requires meaningful human interaction and emotional support that technology alone cannot provide.

• AI deployment in schools must be guided by clear ethical principles and robust safeguards to protect student rights
• Digital connectivity and affordable access are now prerequisites for realizing the fundamental right to education
• Teacher training and continuous professional development are essential for effective integration of digital tools
• Strong data protection measures and privacy-first principles are crucial to prevent commercial exploitation of student information