Türkiye Issues Ethics Framework to Regulate AI Use in Schools
The Ministry of National Education in Türkiye has taken a significant step towards regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings by issuing a comprehensive set of ethical guidelines. This initiative aims to introduce mandatory online ethical declarations and establish a centralized reporting system, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and student safety.
Overview of the Ethical Guidelines
The Ethical Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence Applications in Education delineate rules for the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of AI technologies across public education institutions. These guidelines were formulated under the ministry’s Artificial Intelligence Policy Document and Action Plan for 2025-2029, which became effective on June 17, 2025.
Establishment of the Ethics Board
A separate directive to form the ministry’s Artificial Intelligence Ethics Board was enacted on October 22, 2025, providing the institutional foundation for this new regulatory framework. This board is crucial in overseeing adherence to the ethical guidelines.
Mandatory Ethical Declarations
Under the new rules, teachers and officials from both central and provincial education directorates must submit an ethical declaration form via a newly established online platform before deploying any AI-based applications in educational contexts. This declaration ensures that the intended use of AI aligns with national ethical standards.
Multi-Tier Oversight System
The guidelines outline a multi-tier oversight system consisting of:
- National Ethics Board
- Provincial and District-Level Committees
- School-Based AI Ethics Teams
These entities are responsible for monitoring compliance and addressing potential violations of the ethical standards.
Development Process of the Guidelines
Officials emphasized that these ethical principles were developed following an extensive review of national and international policy documents, as well as previously published recommendations on AI ethics.
Reporting and Handling Violations
The document provides detailed procedures for reporting, documenting, reviewing, and following up on ethical violations, aiming for procedural clarity in disciplinary and corrective actions.
Launch of Online Ethical Declaration System
To support the ethical framework, the ministry plans to launch the Artificial Intelligence Applications Ethical Declaration System (YAZEK) on February 2. This platform will facilitate the online collection of ethical declarations and standardize the recording and assessment of reports related to ethical breaches.
Goals of the Initiative
The ministry articulates that this initiative seeks to ensure AI is utilized in schools in a manner that is secure, inclusive, and educationally beneficial. Furthermore, it aims to enhance transparency and accountability for students, teachers, and parents alike.
For detailed information, the guidelines are accessible through the ministry’s Board of Education website.
