Google is forcing schools’ hand, informing them that AI is now bundled with its other services, leaving them no way of opting out of AI without losing Google Search for students.
AI is a controversial topic in education, with educators struggling to figure out how to integrate AI in a way that safeguards children and still encourages learning and critical thinking. Unfortunately, schools will no longer have the ability to turn off Google’s AI while still using Google Search.
“We believe technology paired with great educators can unlock incredible learning potential, and we’re focused on building technology responsibly to help students thrive,” wrote Chris Phillips, Education VP & General Manager, in a blog post. “Today, we’re making important updates to our products used in schools, including building Guided Learning capabilities into Google Search and Google Classroom, and evolving our approach to school controls.”
Needless to say, Google’s approach is not going over well. Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani posted the following on X:
Google is trying to use its monopoly power to force AI into our public schools.
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.
Google is still playing catchup to Anthropic and OpenAI, so it’s no surprise the company wants its products used in schools. Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the tools they learn to use today are the tools they will naturally be predisposed to use in business. Unfortunately for the company, however, the backlash to AI in education may be more than the company bargained for.
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