The TUI and its sister unions ASTI, INTO and IFUT are calling on the Government to withdraw a proposed change to EU data protection rules that could weaken safeguards for learners and education workers.
In a joint letter dated 24th September, the four unions expressed serious concern about proposed Article 88bis of the General Data Protection Regulation, brought forward in the context of the EU Digital Omnibus. The proposal would explicitly recognise “legitimate interest” as a legal basis for processing personal data to develop and operate AI systems. The unions are particularly concerned that the current text removes safeguards that appeared in an earlier version, including specific protection for children, requirements concerning data minimisation and transparency, and an unconditional right to object.
Educational institutions hold extensive information about students and staff. That information is gathered to support teaching, learning and employment. It should not become readily available for other purposes, including the development of commercial AI systems, without strong protections and meaningful control for the people concerned.
The letter also identifies the risks that weaker safeguards could pose for education workers, including workplace surveillance, algorithmic management and automated decision-making. For learners, educational data can reveal deeply personal information about their circumstances, development and performance. Trust in how that information is handled is essential to the relationship between students and their educators.
The four unions have asked the Government to withdraw Article 88bis in its current form and to oppose any similar weakening of data protection safeguards. Responsible use of AI in education depends on both strong protection of people’s rights and the meaningful involvement of those who teach and learn.