Legal and Ethical Implications of Data Privacy in Artificial Intelligence: A Review of Data Privacy Among Learners in Kenyan Secondary Schools

Abstract

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cooperation in educational settings sparked significant discussions regarding data privacy, especially in secondary schools in Kenya. As AI technologies became increasingly prevalent, the oversight and guiding of students' individual information raised important legal and ethical concerns. This study explored the legal and ethical implications of data privacy in AI applications within Kenyan secondary schools, focusing on the unique challenges faced in this context. The problem statement addressed the growing concerns over the adequacy of current data privacy protections and the potential risks posed by AI systems handling sensitive student information. The study had three primary objectives: first, to assess the current legal frameworks and policies governing data privacy in Kenyan secondary schools; second, to evaluate the ethical considerations related to the use of AI technologies and their impact on students' privacy; and third, to identify best practices for enhancing data protection. The scope of the study was confined to secondary schools across Kenya, examining the intersection of legal regulations and ethical practices in managing student data within these institutions. The justification for this study lay in the increasing reliance on AI tools in education and the need to ensure that data privacy standards were robust enough to protect students' personal information. Data for this review was collected from the systematic search on Scopus, Web of Science and ERIC repositories, 25 paper were listed out from the year 2020 to 2024. The method of data collection involved a comprehensive systematic literature review from secondary sources which included periodicals, published articles and books, followed by a qualitative analysis of the collected data to identify patterns and insights related to data privacy issues. The findings from the reviewed articles underscore the critical need for effective data privacy frameworks and ethical considerations, particularly in the context of Kenyan secondary schools.