Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping many aspects of education - but nowhere is the transformation more urgently needed than in assessment. With the rise of AI-powered marking tools, educators and institutions are gaining speed, accuracy, and consistency. But alongside these benefits come important questions around security, data privacy, and ethical responsibility.

At SmartMarker, we believe in the power of AI to support educators - not replace them. And we are equally committed to ensuring that the technology we use is safe, transparent, and compliant with all necessary regulations.

Why Use AI in Marking?

Traditional marking systems struggle to keep pace with the demands of modern education. AI tools can:

• Speed up grading without compromising accuracy

• Reduce unconscious bias by applying consistent standards

• Provide real-time feedback to support learner progression

• Scale across geographies and learning formats

• But these benefits must be weighed against the need to handle student data responsibly.

• Security and Privacy: What Matters Most

When using AI in assessment, the most sensitive data - student performance, written responses, demographic information - may be processed. Here’s how we approach security and privacy at SmartMarker:

1. Data Encryption at Every Stage

All learner data is encrypted in transit and at rest. This means that whether data is being uploaded, processed, or stored, it is protected using state-of-the-art encryption standards.

2. GDPR and Global Compliance

We design our systems to meet or exceed privacy regulations like the UK GDPR, EU GDPR, and Data Protection Act 2018. This includes:

• Clear data processing agreements

• Minimal data retention policies

• Full learner and institutional control over information

3. Anonymised Inputs

Wherever possible, our marking models work with anonymised learner responses - ensuring that bias is reduced and privacy is protected, even at the algorithmic level.

4. Transparent Decision-Making

We believe AI must be explainable. Our tools provide an audit trail of how marks were determined, and educators can always review, validate, or override automated grades.

5. Human Oversight Built-In

AI is a support tool - not a final judge. Every institution retains full control and visibility. Final marks are always subject to human review, with AI acting as a co-pilot, not an autopilot.

Ethical AI in Education

Using AI responsibly isn’t just about compliance - it’s about values. Trust is the foundation of education. Learners, educators, and regulators all need to feel confident that new technologies are used ethically and transparently.

At SmartMarker, we engage regularly with policy experts, educators, and data protection professionals to ensure our approach evolves alongside the best practices in the field.

Innovation with Integrity

As AI continues to shape the future of education, we must lead with both ambition and accountability. SmartMarker is proud to be at the forefront of AI-powered assessment—built with trust, security, and fairness at its core.

Interested in secure, scalable, and ethical AI tools for assessment?

Get in touch with our team at info@prismedtech.co.uk to find out more.