- Education Ministry issues new standards for learning support software, strengthening data security and student privacy in AI-enabled classrooms.
- Mandatory criteria set clear rules on personal data collection, use, and protection, developed with the Personal Information Protection Commission.
- Schools must follow a defined selection process, making compliance with the standards a legal requirement under revised education law.
The Ministry of Education has announced new standards governing how schools select learning support software, marking an important step toward safer and more effective use of AI and digital tools in classrooms. The standards were established and released on December 29 in response to the rapid increase in the use of artificial intelligence and digital-based educational materials in schools, alongside growing concerns over data security and student privacy.
As schools increasingly rely on learning support software to enhance teaching and personalize learning, issues such as personal information leaks and unclear data usage practices have emerged as key challenges. Recognizing the need for clearer safeguards, the Ministry of Education developed these standards in consultation with the Personal Information Protection Commission. The aim, the ministry said, is to ensure that digital tools used in education are not only effective but also safe and trustworthy for students and teachers alike.
Under the new framework, schools must follow a set of mandatory criteria when selecting learning support software. These include minimizing the collection of personal information, clearly stating the purpose for collecting and using any personal data, specifying what information is collected and how long it will be retained, and providing clear guidance on how children’s personal information is protected. The standards also require transparency about who is responsible for managing and protecting personal data within the software provider’s organization.
In addition to these compulsory requirements, the ministry has outlined optional criteria that schools may apply based on their individual circumstances. These include considerations such as whether the software’s content and functions align with classroom objectives, whether the learning materials are accurate and reliable, whether they match students’ learning levels, and whether the content is appropriate for the students’ age group. Schools can choose which of these optional criteria best fit their educational needs when developing their own selection guidelines.
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The selection process itself has also been clearly defined. Schools are required to first evaluate whether a software product meets the established criteria. The proposal must then be reviewed by the school steering committee, after which the final decision will be made by the head of the school. This process is grounded in Article 29-2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which was revised in August and legally requires schools to follow the standards set by the Minister of Education when selecting learning support software.
To support smooth implementation, the Ministry of Education plans to hold an information session on January 6 for EdTech companies and other stakeholders. Through this session, the ministry will encourage companies to proactively check whether their products meet the mandatory requirements before offering them to schools.
Choi Kyo-jin, Minister of Education, said the new standards are designed to balance innovation with responsibility. “We will innovate teaching and learning by utilizing safe and highly effective learning support software in schools”, he said, adding that the ministry will continue to support students in developing the future competencies needed in an era of rapid AI transformation.
