Whistleblower Alleges Misuse of Student Data in LAUSD’s New AI Chatbot

Just weeks before the collapse of AllHere, an education technology startup funded by venture capitalists, serious concerns were raised about its new AI-driven chatbot, Ed, which was built for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for $6 million.

A former executive from AllHere, Chris Whiteley, sent emails to the district and other officials, highlighting that Ed’s system violated student data privacy principles. Whiteley’s warnings came shortly before The 74 reported on AllHere’s severe financial issues, leading to employee furloughs and the departure of CEO Joanna Smith-Griffin.

At various ed tech conferences, LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho touted Ed as an unprecedented personal assistant for students, leveraging vast amounts of student data like academic performance and special education accommodations. However, Whiteley claimed the tool processed student records improperly, putting sensitive information at risk. Despite his warnings, no official response was received from district or state education bodies.

A district spokesperson assured that LAUSD takes privacy and security concerns seriously and will ensure all necessary protections are in place for the Ed platform, which is not authorized to store student data outside the U.S. without permission.

As the situation unfolds, interest in acquiring AllHere remains, and the chatbot Ed continues to belong solely to Los Angeles Unified.

Source: Whistleblower: L.A. Schools’ Chatbot Misused Student Data as Tech Co. Crumbled.