AI tool summary for DPOs and governors
Blackboard (AI Design Assistant)
Anthology · Facts last checked 2026-10-23 · Printed 23 October 2026
AI Prefect
Staff: Amber · Use with caution
- Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller
- Data may be stored outside the UK/EU; safeguards not stated
- No school DPA found
Pupils: Red · Not recommended for school data
- Supplier says it is not for pupils
| Supplier | Anthology |
|---|---|
| Category | learning platform (VLE) |
| Pupil-facing | no - instructor-facing |
| Processor or controller | not stated |
| Where data is stored | Microsoft Azure OpenAI |
| Trains AI models on inputs | no - Anthology does not fine-tune with client data; Microsoft does not retrain on inputs |
| How long inputs are kept | prompts and outputs kept up to 30 days by Microsoft for content filtering |
| Data processing agreement (DPA) | not stated |
| Signs individual DPAs with schools | not stated |
| UK GDPR representative / DPO | not stated |
| Minimum age | not stated |
| Key safety note | opt-in by institution |
| Main use | VLE and learning platforms |
Better-rated alternatives for the same use: Aula (Amber), D2L Brightspace (Lumi) (Amber), Gemini in Google Classroom (Amber)
Before using it: check the minimum age fits your pupils, confirm a data processing agreement is in place, switch off AI training where possible, and record the decision in your DPIA.
Sources: https://help.anthology.com/blackboard/administrator/en/tools-management/blackboard-ai-design-assistant.html · https://www.blackboard.com/trust-center/trustworthy-ai-approach · https://www.blackboard.com/trust-center/generative-ai-functionalities
Full entry: aiprefect.co.uk/tools/blackboard. Rating is a rules-based summary of the supplier’s published terms. “Not stated” means we could not find it in their documents. This is not legal advice and does not replace your DPIA.