Google has announced that students using its software in classrooms will only have access to its search engine if their school systems also opt into the company’s artificial intelligence tools. The tech giant made this decision amid growing backlash from educators, child development experts, and parents over the use of its technology in schools. The controversy intensified in August when Google enabled its Gemini chatbot for many K-12 students using Google Classroom, a move that previously only allowed Gemini for students 18 or older.
According to Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president and general manager of education, access to Google’s AI features, Gemini, Gemini Notebook, and Gemini in Classroom, as well as Google search will now be automatically turned off for K-12 student accounts until school administrators explicitly enable them. Phillips stated that the company believes schools should have control over AI in their classrooms.
The announcement was met with swift criticism. Lina Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, accused Google of using its search monopoly to coerce schools into adopting AI. She warned of the dangers of allowing an unregulated monopolist to control an essential service. New York City and Los Angeles, the nation’s largest school districts, have already issued temporary bans on generative AI tools in elementary and middle schools as they assess AI use and safety.
Critics argue that AI tools make it easier for students to cheat and find quick answers, undermining critical thinking. Josh Golin, executive director of the children’s advocacy group Fairplay, urged schools to turn off Google’s AI tools and seek privacy-protective alternatives for search and research.