Is Google Translate safe for UK schools?

AI Prefect rates Google Translate Red for staff use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated; Supplier acts as a data controller, not a processor for the school) and Red for pupil use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated; Supplier acts as a data controller, not a processor for the school). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.

Does Google Translate train on our data?

According to the supplier's published documents: YES - submitted text and voice may be used to maintain, improve and develop services.

Where is Google Translate data stored?

Not stated in the supplier's published documents.

What age is Google Translate for?

Not stated. The supplier does not publish a minimum age we could find.

Is there a safer alternative to Google Translate?

Better-rated tools with the same main use and sector: Microsoft Translator (amber).

Google Translate

Google · translation (EAL) · Last checked 2026-10-23

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Rating: a rules-based summary of the supplier’s published terms. Not legal advice and not a substitute for a DPIA. How it’s worked out

Staff and pupils: RED Not recommended for school data

Why red:

Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated
Supplier acts as a data controller, not a processor for the school

How is this rated?

Key facts

Trains on what you type: Yes
Where data is stored: Not stated
Minimum age: Not stated
Use case: Translation
Sector: Schools, Further education (FE), Higher education (HE)
Research status: Sourced

Safer alternatives

Same main use (Translation) and sector, rated better for the same audience. Alternatives are suggested from our published ratings; check they meet your needs. How alternatives are chosen

Staff and pupils

Microsoft Translator · Amber
4 caution points: Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller

New here? Each field has a short explanation underneath. Our getting started guide explains what to look for and what to do next.

About the tool

SupplierThe company that makes and runs the tool.: Google
WebsiteWhere we found the main information about the tool.: https://translate.google.com
CategoryWhat sort of tool it is, for example a chatbot or a lesson-planning helper.: translation (EAL)
Pupil-facingWhether pupils use it directly, or only staff. Pupil use needs extra care.: sometimes

Your data

Processor or controllerA processor only uses data on your school’s instructions. A controller makes its own decisions about the data, which means your school has less say.: controller (an 'Additional Service', not Workspace core - school DPA does not cover it)
Where data is storedWhich country the data is stored in. UK or EU storage is usually simpler for schools.: not stated
Trains AI models on inputsWhether what you type (or upload) may be used to improve the supplier’s AI. “No” is what you want for anything about pupils or staff.: YES - submitted text and voice may be used to maintain, improve and develop services
How long inputs are keptHow long the supplier keeps what you type before deleting it.: not stated

Agreements and contacts

Privacy noticeThe supplier’s privacy notice: their own explanation of what they do with personal data.: https://support.google.com/translate/answer/10400210?hl=en-GB
Data processing agreement (DPA)The data processing agreement: the contract that sets out how the supplier must look after your school’s data.: not stated
Signs individual DPAs with schoolsWhether the supplier will sign a data agreement with your school specifically, rather than just standard online terms.: not stated
UK GDPR representative / DPOWhether the supplier names a data protection officer or UK representative you can contact about data questions.: not stated

Age and safety

Minimum ageThe youngest age the supplier allows to use the tool. Check this before any pupil uses it.: not stated
Key safety noteAnything else worth knowing, such as admin controls or content filtering.: don't translate confidential or personal pupil information, e.g. safeguarding letters
Research statusHow complete our research on this tool is.: sourced

Sources

workspace.google.comhttps://workspace.google.com/terms/education_privacy/
support.google.comhttps://support.google.com/translate/answer/10400210?hl=en-GB
support.google.comhttps://support.google.com/chrome/a/answer/13617308?hl=en

Change history

No changes recorded since this entry was first published.

See all recent changes

Quick answers

Is Google Translate safe for UK schools?: AI Prefect rates Google Translate Red for staff use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated; Supplier acts as a data controller, not a processor for the school) and Red for pupil use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated; Supplier acts as a data controller, not a processor for the school). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.
Does Google Translate train on our data?: According to the supplier's published documents: YES - submitted text and voice may be used to maintain, improve and develop services.
Where is Google Translate data stored?: Not stated in the supplier's published documents.
What age is Google Translate for?: Not stated. The supplier does not publish a minimum age we could find.
Is there a safer alternative to Google Translate?: Better-rated tools with the same main use and sector: Microsoft Translator (amber).

Generated only from the facts above. “Not stated” means the supplier doesn’t publish it.

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