AI tool summary for DPOs and governors
Scopus AI (Elsevier)
Elsevier · 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: 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
| Supplier | Elsevier |
|---|---|
| Category | AI academic search |
| Pupil-facing | yes - students and researchers via library licence |
| Processor or controller | not stated |
| Where data is stored | private Azure-hosted OpenAI instance |
| Trains AI models on inputs | no - queries not stored or used to train OpenAI models |
| How long inputs are kept | chat history kept in Standard mode; deleted after 30 days in Temporary mode |
| 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 | not stated |
| Main use | Academic search and literature |
Better-rated alternatives for the same use: Keenious (Amber), ResearchRabbit (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://www.elsevier.support/scopus/answer/what-is-scopus-ai · https://researcheracademy.elsevier.com/uploads/2024-08/Scopus%20AI%20-%20Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Using%20Responsible%20AI%20Principles.pdf
Full entry: aiprefect.co.uk/tools/scopus-ai. 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.