Is Grok safe for UK schools?

AI Prefect rates Grok 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; Supplier says it is not for pupils). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.

Does Grok train on our data?

According to the supplier's published documents: YES by default for logged-in users (opt-out: Settings > Data Controls > Improve the model); Private Chat not used.

Where is Grok data stored?

Not stated in the supplier's published documents.

What age is Grok for?

13+; 13-17 need parent/guardian permission.

Is there a safer alternative to Grok?

Better-rated tools with the same main use and sector: ChatGPT Edu (amber), Gemini app (Workspace for Education) (amber), Microsoft 365 Copilot (amber).

Grok

xAI (SpaceXAI LLC) · general chatbot · Last checked 2026-10-23

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General-purpose, not designed for schools

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: 13–17
Use case: General AI assistant / chatbot
Sector: Schools, Further education (FE), Higher education (HE)
Research status: Sourced

Safer alternatives

Same main use (General AI assistant / chatbot) 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

ChatGPT Edu · Green
Processor, no training on inputs, UK/EU storage or stated transfer safeguards, school DPA available
Gemini app (Workspace for Education) · Green
Processor, no training on inputs, UK/EU storage or stated transfer safeguards, school DPA available
Microsoft 365 Copilot · Green
Processor, no training on inputs, UK/EU storage or stated transfer safeguards, school DPA available

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.: xAI (SpaceXAI LLC)
WebsiteWhere we found the main information about the tool.: https://grok.com
CategoryWhat sort of tool it is, for example a chatbot or a lesson-planning helper.: general chatbot
Pupil-facingWhether pupils use it directly, or only staff. Pupil use needs extra care.: no (13-17 only with parent/guardian agreement)

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 (consumer service)
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 by default for logged-in users (opt-out: Settings > Data Controls > Improve the model); Private Chat not used
How long inputs are keptHow long the supplier keeps what you type before deleting it.: Private Chat and deleted content: up to 30 days

Agreements and contacts

Privacy noticeThe supplier’s privacy notice: their own explanation of what they do with personal data.: https://x.ai/legal/privacy-policy
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.: Europe Privacy Policy Addendum referenced (details not captured)

Age and safety

Minimum ageThe youngest age the supplier allows to use the tool. Check this before any pupil uses it.: 13+; 13-17 need parent/guardian permission
Key safety noteAnything else worth knowing, such as admin controls or content filtering.: supplier says some modes may produce sexual, violent or coarse content; Grok inside X is governed by X's policy
Research statusHow complete our research on this tool is.: sourced (primary pages read 23 Oct 2026)

Sources

Change history

Date	Field	Was	Now	Source
2026-10-22	(new entry)	—	Added to the directory	x.ai

See all recent changes

Quick answers

Is Grok safe for UK schools?: AI Prefect rates Grok 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; Supplier says it is not for pupils). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.
Does Grok train on our data?: According to the supplier's published documents: YES by default for logged-in users (opt-out: Settings > Data Controls > Improve the model); Private Chat not used.
Where is Grok data stored?: Not stated in the supplier's published documents.
What age is Grok for?: 13+; 13-17 need parent/guardian permission.
Is there a safer alternative to Grok?: Better-rated tools with the same main use and sector: ChatGPT Edu (amber), Gemini app (Workspace for Education) (amber), Microsoft 365 Copilot (amber).

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

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