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National Laws
Artificial intelligence is being used in classrooms, learning platforms, and school systems faster than new legislation can be written to address it. While there is no single federal law that specifically regulates AI in education, schools are still responsible for operating within existing national laws that govern student data, privacy, accessibility, and online safety. Understanding these laws provides important context for evaluating AI tools and making informed decisions about their use.
This page highlights several national laws that frequently intersect with AI use in schools. Each section provides a plain-language overview of the law and a brief look at how it connects to AI-supported teaching, learning, and technology systems. The goal is not legal interpretation, but practical awareness. Educators and leaders developing AI guidance should understand the legal guardrails that shape responsible decision-making.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
Wikipedia
Protects the privacy of student education records and gives families rights over how that data is accessed and shared.
AI systems that analyze student work, generate performance insights, or store interactions may create records covered by FERPA. Schools must ensure vendors handle data appropriately and that access controls remain in place.
CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act)
Requires schools receiving E-Rate funding to protect students from harmful online content.
AI tools that generate or surface content introduce new filtering and monitoring considerations, particularly for open-ended systems.
COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)
Regulates online data collection from children under 13.
Many AI-powered platforms gather usage and behavioral data, meaning districts must verify parental consent practices and understand what information tools collect and store.
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)/Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Governs supports and services for students with disabilities.
AI used in adaptive learning, accessibility supports, or IEP processes must align with legal requirements around equity, appropriateness, and human decision-making.
MS Copilot, 02/08/26
Page updated
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