Google to end search access for schools that block its AI tools

Google announced on Tuesday that it will disable AI features in its educational apps for K-12 students unless school administrators explicitly allow them. The company, owned by Alphabet, is seeking to give educational institutions control over students' access to various AI capabilities in their classrooms. In a blog post, Google stated, "We believe schools should have control over AI in their classrooms and in providing administrators with controls to help them manage their approach."

If schools refuse to enable Google's AI tools, such as Classroom and Notebook, for students, they will also lose access to Google's search engine, according to the company. The loss of search access is due to the deep integration of AI capabilities into Google's search engine, as stated by Chris Phillips, Google's vice president for Education.

When a school bans AI use by students and educators, they will not have access to search and will see a message from their school indicating the unavailability of Google's search engine. Google has not commented on the potential consequences of its policy.

The announcement has sparked criticism, with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani accusing Google of attempting to use its monopoly power to force AI into public schools. He emphasized that no corporation should dictate how education is provided, stating, "Our public schools exist to serve students, not to grow the profit margins of Big Tech."

In September, New York City schools banned AI use for students in 2-K through eighth grade and delayed the implementation of generative AI for students up to high school. Nearly 600,000 students, or two-thirds of the system's total enrollment, will be affected, according to education officials.

Lina Khan, who previously served as chair of the Federal Trade Commission, expressed concerns about Google's move, stating that it highlights the dangers of an unregulated monopolist controlling an essential service. Khan, now chair of the board of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, highlighted that multiple courts have found Google liable for violating antitrust laws, indicating that the company remains unchastened.