Google has announced plans to block students at
schools that prohibit artificial intelligence (AI) tools from accessing its
search engine, a move that has drawn criticism from education advocates.
The company said on Tuesday, November 3, that Google
Search and its AI-powered educational products will be switched off by default
for students using school-managed K-12 accounts unless school administrators
explicitly enable them. The change comes as many communities push for stricter
limits on screen time and AI use in schools, amid fears that the technology
could stunt students' learning and development or pose safety risks.
Chris Phillips, Google's vice president and general
manager of education, said in a blog post that access to Gemini, Gemini
Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search will be automatically turned
off for K-12 student accounts until "school administrators explicitly turn
them on." He told The New York Times that schools that ban AI "will
not have access to search, and they'll see a message from their school that
indicates it's not available."
Google explained in a post on X that schools can
choose to turn on one, two or all three of Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Search.
"We believe schools should have control over AI in their classrooms and in
providing administrators with controls to help them manage their
approach," Phillips wrote.
The policy quickly drew criticism that Google is
seeking to pressure schools into using its AI apps. New York City Mayor Zohran
Mamdani accused the company in a social media post of "trying to use its
monopoly power to force AI into our public schools." He added: "No
corporation should have the power to dictate how we teach our children. Our
public schools exist to serve students, not to grow the profit margins of Big
Tech."
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