Google Faces Backlash Over Plan Tying School Search Access to AI Opt-In

Google's push to put AI in classrooms hit a political wall on Election Day. Schools using Google's K-12 software will not be able to use Search unless they opt into its AI tools, TechCrunch reports. Chris Phillips, Google's vice president for education, told The New York Times that «Search and AI are deeply integrated.»

Sen. Bernie Sanders called the policy «extortion,» and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote that «Google is trying to use its monopoly power to force AI into our public schools,» CNBC reports. Former FTC chair Lina Khan said it «highlights the danger of allowing an unregulated monopolist to control an essential service,» according to TechCrunch.

Google responded on X that Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Search are off by default and «schools are in control.» It added that AI Mode and AI Overviews for schools will offer step-by-step guided learning «so that students don't get quick answers to schoolwork,» CNBC reports. CNBC notes the post did not directly address whether Search requires AI.