Google announces it will cut off internet search access for schools that reject AI

Google announced on Tuesday that it will no longer automatically grant schools access to its internet search engine if they choose not to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into their classrooms. The tech giant has faced criticism from educators, child development experts, and parents over its use of AI technology in schools.

Google's Gemini chatbot, which is powered by AI, was enabled for many K-12 students who use Google Classroom in August. However, the company has now decided that administrators will have the option to individually enable or disable each Google tool, including Gemini, Gemini Notebook, and search. By default, these tools will be turned off until administrators choose to turn them on.

Chris Phillips, Google's vice president and general manager of education, stated that the company believes schools should have control over AI in their classrooms and provided administrators with controls to manage their approach. Google's search tools are also being updated to be better suited for learning, such as offering step-by-step guided learning through problems.

However, schools that opt out of AI would still need to use Google search, as it is integrated with the AI technology. The announcement has drawn criticism from educators, policymakers, and advocacy groups. Lina Khan, former chair of the Federal Trade Commission, accused Google of using its search monopoly to coerce schools into adopting AI.

New York City and Los Angeles school districts have temporarily banned generative AI tools in elementary and middle schools while they assess AI use and safety. Many students already use AI for school and homework, but experts have raised concerns about the impact of AI on children's brain development and critical thinking skills.

Josh Golin, executive director of the advocacy group Fairplay, believes that Google's attempt to force schools to use its AI products will backfire, as the technology is not safe for kids and undermines education. Instead of worrying about losing access to search, Golin suggests schools turn off Google's AI tools and explore privacy-protective alternatives for search and other research methods.