A Federal Judge supports Elon musk's Educational initiative

Despite mounting privacy concerns among parents, educators, and advocacy groups, a federal judge has ruled in favor of Doge Team, an Elon Musk-funded education platform, permitting it to access and collect student data.

The move, announced on February 17, lets Doge Team collect and review students' academic records, internet browsing activity, and other personal data to strengthen its AI-based learning platform. While proponents claim this will revolutionize adaptive education, opponents caution about significant privacy hazards and data abuse.

Doge Team is an AI-based learning platform that uses machine learning algorithms and monitoring of data in real- to optimize student learning outcomes. According to the site, it provides performance data, adaptive learning tools, and personalized study plans to help students reach their maximum potential.

However, because of its data-based strategy, which requires unrestricted access to student data, there are now significant ethical and security concerns. Privacy organizations and academic institutions have strongly opposed the new verdict, raising concerns about serious dangers connected to the gathering and use of student data. 

A pernicious precedent has been created by this ruling, allowing corporations to extract student data under the guise of 'enhancing education.' Once that door is opened, it is hard for the uses to which such data is put to be policed," is stated by Lena Thompson, director of the Digital Privacy Alliance.

The federal judge determined that Doge Team's collection methods of data adhere to federal education statutes, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which regulates the access and use of student records. Legal professionals point out that this reading of FERPA potentially undermines student privacy protections, setting the stage for additional education technology platforms to require similar access.

The ruling will be challenged and legislated against, advocacy groups are already demanding more control over student data use. Simultaneously, Doge Team has said that it is working to develop its platform further and add new AI-based learning functionalities, sparking more controversy regarding technology in schools.