[ GLOSSARY ]
What is fine-tuning?
Definition
AI conceptsFine-tuning
Fine-tuning is further training of an AI model on a specific dataset to change its behavior.
Why it matters for schools
Training or fine-tuning on student data raises privacy questions. For children under 13, COPPA's amended rule treats disclosures to train or otherwise develop AI as not integral to a service, so they need separate parental consent. The FTC has also said it is unreasonable to keep children's data for speculative future uses.
What to ask
Ask every vendor to bar training and fine-tuning on student data in the contract. Nexus never trains or fine-tunes models on student data.
[ FAQ ]
Questions and answers
What is fine-tuning an AI model?
Training an existing model further on a specific dataset to change how it behaves.
Can AI vendors train on student data?
Contracts can bar it, and for under-13s COPPA requires separate parental consent for AI training disclosures.
Does Nexus train on student data?
No. Nexus never trains or fine-tunes models on student data.
[ SOURCES ]
Sources
Facts checked Oct 18, 2026.
- 1Federal Register, amended COPPA Rule (90 FR 16918)Apr 22, 2025 · govinfo.gov
- 2FTC, policy statement on education technology and COPPAMay 19, 2022 · ftc.gov
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