Google is defending a new policy regarding artificial intelligence in schools following political backlash over how the company manages AI tools for K-12 students. The company's plan, which includes a new product called Guided Learning for its Classroom offering, became a point of contention after reports indicated Google would turn off search for schools that reject AI entirely.
Politicians including Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized the move. Mamdani argued on X that "Google is trying to use its monopoly power to force AI into our public schools," while Sanders characterized the policy as "extortion." Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan also weighed in, stating the policy highlights "the danger of allowing an unregulated monopolist to control an essential service."
Google responded to the criticism by stating its new policy is intended to give schools more choice over how students interact with AI. The company reported that its Gemini chatbot, Gemini Notebook, and search are turned off by default, asserting that "schools are in control" and can enable these tools as they see fit.
In addition to the control measures, Google said it is updating Search for schools to improve learning outcomes. The company stated that AI Mode and AI Overviews will provide step-by-step guided learning through problems to prevent students from receiving quick answers to schoolwork.
While the company's social media response did not explicitly address claims that search access is contingent upon using AI, Google vice president for education Chris Phillips told The New York Times that "Search and AI are deeply integrated."
