Google links school search access to AI tools, sparking backlash over block policy
Search tied to AI settings
Google said Tuesday that it will disable artificial intelligence features in its educational apps for K-12 student accounts unless school administrators specifically turn them on. Schools that do not enable tools such as Classroom and Notebook will also lose access to Google’s search engine, the company told The New York Times. Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president for Education, said AI features are now closely built into search.
Criticism from former regulator
Lina Khan, who led the Federal Trade Commission from 2021 to 2025, said in a statement on X that Google was trying to use its strength in internet search to its advantage. Khan said multiple courts had found Google liable for antitrust violations. She argued that the move would penalize schools that refuse to adopt the company’s AI tools, amid growing public resistance to AI in schools.
Response and public concerns
A criticism quoted in the article said no corporation should control how children are taught, and that public schools should serve students rather than Big Tech’s profit margins. The article did not identify the speaker of that statement.
Key points
- Google will disable AI features in K-12 student accounts unless administrators enable them.
- Schools declining Google’s AI tools will also lose access to its search engine.
- Lina Khan accused Google of leveraging its search position and penalizing schools that opt out.
- Google did not immediately respond to CBS News’ request for comment.