Google has announced plans to restrict students in schools that reject artificial intelligence (AI) tools from accessing its search engine, a move that has attracted criticism from education advocates and policymakers.
The technology company disclosed on Tuesday, November 3, that Google Search and its AI-powered educational products would be switched off by default for students using school-managed K-12 accounts unless administrators specifically enable them.
The affected services include Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Gemini in Classroom, alongside Google Search.
Chris Phillips, Google’s Vice President and General Manager of Education, explained that the decision was aimed at giving schools greater control over how AI technology is used in classrooms.
However, he told The New York Times that schools choosing to completely reject AI would also lose access to Google Search because the search engine is now deeply integrated with artificial intelligence.
The announcement has sparked criticism, with opponents accusing Google of using its dominance in the search engine market to pressure schools into adopting its AI products.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticised the decision, accusing the company of attempting to use its market dominance to force AI technology into public schools.
He argued that no private corporation should have the power to dictate how children are taught, adding that public schools should prioritise students’ interests rather than the profits of major technology companies.
The development comes amid growing concerns among educators, parents and child development experts about the impact of artificial intelligence on students’ learning, critical thinking and development.
