DENVER (KDVR) — Denver Public Schools is putting the brakes on ChatGPT.
The district is blocking student access, citing concerns about safety, data and new features coming to the platform.
Starting this week, students’ access to the tool is blocked on all school devices and Wi-Fi.
In an email sent to families on Friday, the district warned new features could lead to harmful interactions, bullying and exposure to inappropriate content.
“We are just officially letting people know that the new functions and ChatGPT as a whole will not be accessible by students and by staff here in DPS period,” said Dr. Tony Smith, DPS Deputy Superintendent.
One big concern is a new feature that allows up to 20 people in a single chat.
“That allows people to get in there, promote anonymity, and have access to adult content. It’s just not something that we feel as a district we are prepared or able to monitor,” said Smith.
District leaders also said ChatGPT does not have a data privacy agreement with DPS.
“Meaning that we understand how our vendors who are compliant with our data privacy agreement will use our data, how they will use student information and how they will get rid of certain things that are not helpful or can be used against the student,” said Smith. “That being said, ChatGPT does not have that agreement with us.”
Students like Jadyn are also reacting, even though she wasn’t aware of the new ban.
“I was not aware that that was happening, but I honestly think that that’s a great thing that’s happening here because it’s really bad for the environment, like global warming. I think AI just shouldn’t be a thing at all,” she said. “I think it’s a really great decision personally because everybody who uses AI for things, it’s usually detected very quickly and it ruins your score. It ruins your grades. It ruins everything.”
Jadyn doesn’t use artificial intelligence for school work, so she said the change won’t affect her.
“When it first came out and started becoming a thing, I did use AI, but then as I learned more about it, I stopped,” she said.
DPS leaders said this move is about safety, not stopping technology.
“We have an obligation to prepare our students to use technology as a tool, but we also have an obligation to continue to provide a safe environment,” Smith said.
DPS said this is a proactive move as AI continues to change. District leaders also said ChatGPT could be revisited in the future, but only if student safety and data protection can be guaranteed.
“I can’t say down the line we may not adopt this as a function when we truly understand it, but it’s going to have to be something that we’re clear and consistent around our practice,” said Smith. “I’d love to emphasize that this is a proactive measure by DPS to get ahead of it. The feedback that we’ve gotten has been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate that we are looking out for the kids’ safety.”
The email sent to families noted that the district will update its acceptable use policies regarding AI in the upcoming months.