Artificial Intelligence in Education: Ethical Guidelines Published by the Ministry of National Education

As the use of artificial intelligence in education continues to expand, ensuring that this transformation is grounded in ethical, safe, and transparent principles has become increasingly critical. In this context, the Ministry of National Education of Türkiye has officially published the “Ethical Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence Applications in Education.”

The guideline was prepared in alignment with the Artificial Intelligence in Education Policy Document and Action Plan (2025–2029), which came into force on 17 June 2025. As part of this framework, the Directive on the Ethical Board for Artificial Intelligence Applications entered into effect on 22 October 2025.

Ethical Declaration Requirement Clarified

Under the new regulation, teachers as well as central and local units of the Ministry are required to ensure that AI applications used in educational settings comply with defined ethical principles. Accordingly, all relevant stakeholders must complete an Ethical Declaration Form through the AI Applications Ethical Declaration System in an online format.

A Multi-Layered Ethical Governance Structure

The Ethical Guidelines introduce a comprehensive governance model, including:

• The AI Applications Ethical High Council

• Provincial and district-level AI ethics committees

• School-based AI ethics teams

This structure aims to evaluate AI applications not only from a technical perspective but also in terms of their pedagogical, ethical, and societal impact.

How Were the Ethical Principles Defined?

The ethical principles outlined in the guideline were developed through an extensive review of national and international policy documents, academic literature, and the Ministry’s previously published AI Ethics Recommendations. The guideline also provides practical examples explaining:

• When an Ethical Declaration Form is required

• Which criteria practitioners should consider when making this decision

Monitoring and Managing Ethical Violations

The document details processes for identifying, reporting, recording, evaluating, and monitoring ethical violations. This approach ensures that accountability in AI-driven educational practices extends beyond intent to include implementation and outcomes.

YAZEK System Launching on 2 February 2026

To support ethical compliance in educational AI use, the AI Applications Ethical Declaration System (YAZEK) will be officially launched on 2 February 2026. Through this system:

• Ethical declarations will be submitted online

• Ethical violation reports will be systematically recorded

• Monitoring and evaluation processes will become transparent and traceable

Editor’s Note – EdTech Türkiye

Artificial intelligence is no longer the future of education — it is its present. The publication of these guidelines represents a significant step toward positioning AI in education not as a risk to be avoided, but as a tool to be used responsibly and thoughtfully. With YAZEK, Türkiye is laying the groundwork for a more transparent, inclusive, and ethically grounded digital learning ecosystem.