From digital divide to digital sovereignty: Safeguarding educational data sovereignty in the context of using foreign AI services

   Introduction. The concept of «digital sovereignty of educational data» implies maintaining control over critically important data in the context of global digitalization. The use of foreign AI services in education creates a paradox: while eliminating the traditional «digital divide», it gives rise to a new threat – the loss of sovereignty over personal data and intellectual property.

   Purpose setting.

   The aim of the research is to develop a multi-level strategy for ensuring the sovereignty of educational data for the Russian education system.

   This requires analyzing the evolution of the digital divide, systematizing the risks of using foreign AI services, and developing a comprehensive counteraction model.

   Methodology and methods of the study. The methodological basis consisted of a systems approach, comparative legal analysis, and risk modeling. The systems approach allowed for considering the problem as a set of interconnected elements, while the legal analysis revealed gaps in the legislation on the protection of educational data.

   Results. The main result is the developed multi-level strategy, which includes state-legal, institutional, and technological levels. At the state level, measures for regulatory and legal framework are proposed; at the institutional level, models of corporate policies for universities are suggested; and at the technological level, the implementation of domestic secure AI platforms is recommended.

   Conclusion. The results have practical value for shaping national policy in the field of digital education.

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