Google Faces Backlash Over Reported Threat To Restrict Search Access For Schools Rejecting AI

Google faces political backlash as Sanders and Mamdani accuse it of pressuring schools to adopt artificial intelligence through its search services.

Google is facing criticism from prominent US politicians over a new artificial intelligence policy for schools, with critics accusing the technology company of using its market power to pressure educational institutions into adopting AI.

The controversy followed a report by The New York Times that Google would disable its search services for schools that reject the use of artificial intelligence entirely.

The report came after Google announced plans to integrate AI into its Classroom platform through a new product called Guided Learning, as part of efforts to support learning with artificial intelligence.

The reported policy triggered criticism from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who accused Google of using its dominant position to push AI into public schools.

Mamdani, in a post on X, said Google was attempting to use its monopoly power to force artificial intelligence into public education.

Sanders also criticised the company, accusing it of threatening schools and describing the reported policy as “extortion.”

Responding to the criticism, Google said its new policy was designed to give schools greater control over how students interact with artificial intelligence.

In a post on X, the company explained that its Gemini chatbot, Gemini Notebook and search features are switched off by default, adding that schools retain the authority to enable or disable the services.

Google also said it was updating its search services for schools to improve learning, explaining that AI Mode and AI Overviews would provide step-by-step guidance to help students solve problems rather than simply giving them answers to schoolwork.

However, the company did not directly address concerns that schools might lose access to search if they reject AI integration.

Google’s Vice President for Education, Chris Phillips, told The New York Times that search and artificial intelligence were deeply integrated.

The latest controversy comes amid increasing scrutiny of Google’s business practices, following antitrust cases involving its search and advertising operations.

Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan also criticised the policy, saying it demonstrated the dangers of allowing an unregulated monopolist to control an essential service.

The debate adds to growing concerns about the influence of technology companies on children, particularly their role in shaping how young people access information and interact with digital platforms.

In August, Meta reached a 16.7-billion-dollar settlement in a child safety trial after several state attorneys general accused the company of misrepresenting the mental health risks associated with platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.

That same month, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT for Teens following investigations by state attorneys general into its safety practices. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier had also filed a lawsuit against the company in June.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit Common Sense Media recently classified Google’s AI Overviews as an unacceptable risk.

Last month, US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley launched an inquiry into Google’s efforts to expand artificial intelligence use in classrooms.

Google first introduced AI Overviews as a search feature in May 2024.