Is Otter.ai safe for UK schools?

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

Does Otter.ai train on our data?

According to the supplier's published documents: YES - de-identified recordings and transcripts train Otter's own AI.

Is there a safer alternative to Otter.ai?

Better-rated tools with the same main use and sector: Fireflies.ai (amber), Microsoft Teams Premium Intelligent Recap (amber), Zoom AI Companion (amber).

Otter.ai

Otter.ai, Inc. · meeting transcription · Last checked 2026-10-23

One-page summary (print or PDF)DPIA starter Compare with other tools Add to our tools list Get rating-change alerts

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

How is this rated?

Key facts

Trains on what you type: Yes
Where data is stored: US
Minimum age: 13–17
Use case: Meeting transcription and notes
Sector: Schools, Further education (FE), Higher education (HE)
Research status: Sourced

Safer alternatives

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

For staff use

Fireflies.ai · Amber
4 caution points: Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller
Microsoft Teams Premium Intelligent Recap · Amber
4 caution points: Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller
Zoom AI Companion · Amber
4 caution points: Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller

For pupil use

Microsoft Teams Premium Intelligent Recap · Amber
5 caution points: Doesn’t say if it is a processor or controller
Zoom AI Companion · Amber
5 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.: Otter.ai, Inc.
WebsiteWhere we found the main information about the tool.: https://otter.ai
CategoryWhat sort of tool it is, for example a chatbot or a lesson-planning helper.: meeting transcription
Pupil-facingWhether pupils use it directly, or only staff. Pupil use needs extra care.: not stated

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.: not stated
Where data is storedWhich country the data is stored in. UK or EU storage is usually simpler for schools.: US (AWS)
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 - de-identified recordings and transcripts train Otter's own AI
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://otter.ai/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.: not stated

Age and safety

Minimum ageThe youngest age the supplier allows to use the tool. Check this before any pupil uses it.: not directed at under-13s
Key safety noteAnything else worth knowing, such as admin controls or content filtering.: records meetings - consent of everyone recorded needed
Research statusHow complete our research on this tool is.: sourced (primary pages read 23 Oct 2026)

Sources

otter.aihttps://otter.ai/privacy-security
otter.aihttps://otter.ai/privacy-policy
help.otter.aihttps://help.otter.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360048258953-Data-security-and-privacy-policies

Change history

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

See all recent changes

Quick answers

Is Otter.ai safe for UK schools?: AI Prefect rates Otter.ai Red for staff use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated) and Red for pupil use (Trains on what you type by default, with no school-level opt-out stated). This is based on the supplier's published documents, last checked 2026-10-23. It is not legal advice; complete your own DPIA.
Does Otter.ai train on our data?: According to the supplier's published documents: YES - de-identified recordings and transcripts train Otter's own AI.
Where is Otter.ai data stored?: US (AWS).
What age is Otter.ai for?: not directed at under-13s.
Is there a safer alternative to Otter.ai?: Better-rated tools with the same main use and sector: Fireflies.ai (amber), Microsoft Teams Premium Intelligent Recap (amber), Zoom AI Companion (amber).

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

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