DepEd issues AI guidelines for basic education, bans facial recognition tools

The Department of Education (DepEd) has released its first comprehensive policy on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in basic education, formally integrating the technology into classrooms while imposing strict guardrails to protect learners and teachers.

In DepEd Order No. 003, s. 2026, titled “Foundational Guidelines on Artificial Intelligence in Basic Education,” the agency laid out a framework that allows AI to support teaching, learning, assessment, and school operations—but prohibits high-risk and unethical applications. 

AI as support, not a substitute

The policy states that AI may assist teachers in lesson planning, quiz generation, content development, and feedback. It may also support administrative tasks such as drafting reports and analyzing data.

However, the order makes clear that AI must not replace human judgment.

AI tools cannot be the sole basis for grading, learner evaluation, or major academic decisions. Final determinations must remain under human oversight.

“Younger learners” are also given added protection. Direct interaction with AI tools is restricted for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students and must be supervised, with safeguards including parental notification.

Facial recognition, manipulative AI prohibited

DepEd adopted a risk-based classification system for AI applications: unacceptable risk, high-risk, limited risk, and minimal risk. Applications classified as unacceptable risk and therefore prohibited include:

• Biometric identification and facial recognition systems
• AI systems that categorize individuals based on sensitive traits
• Social scoring systems
• AI tools that manipulate minors’ behavior or exploit vulnerabilities

High-risk systems, such as AI-driven appraisal tools, automated eligibility checkers, and AI-based monitoring systems, are permitted only under strict safeguards and transparency requirements.

Minimal-risk tools such as grammar checkers, accessibility features, scheduling assistants, and auto-formatting tools may be used under standard IT controls.

Privacy safeguards required

Before deploying any AI system, DepEd offices and schools must conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA), consistent with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. All AI systems must also be registered in a DepEd AI Registry, indicating the tool’s name, vendor, intended purpose, risk classification, and compliance status.

The order requires transparency in AI use. Teachers and learners must disclose AI assistance in outputs when applicable, and academic integrity rules remain in force.

“No AI system shall be used without human oversight,” the policy provides.

Beyond regulation, DepEd framed the order as part of a broader strategy to build digital and AI literacy among learners and educators.

The policy aligns with the National AI Upskilling Roadmap and outlines efforts to strengthen infrastructure, develop teacher capacity, and prepare students for responsible AI use.

It further emphasized that AI integration must remain “human-centered” and anchored on pedagogy, inclusion, and learner protection.

The order takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.—LDF, GMA Integrated News