Google announced a controversial new policy affecting its K-12 education software, stating that schools that do not opt in to using its AI tools—such as the Gemini AI and integrated AI features in Google Search—will lose access to Google Search entirely. Chris Phillips, Google's VP for education, explained that Search and AI are now deeply intertwined, meaning schools that disable AI functionalities will see a message indicating Search is unavailable. This shift has sparked significant backlash from educators, politicians, and antitrust advocates who argue that Google is leveraging its dominant position in education technology to force widespread AI adoption.

Prominent critics include Senator Bernie Sanders, who accused Google of “extortion” by threatening to cut off Google Search access to schools restricting AI, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, who said the company prioritizes pushing Gemini AI over students' success. Former FTC chair Lina Khan condemned the move as another example of Google’s unchecked monopolistic behavior. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also criticized Google’s power to dictate educational practices, highlighting growing unease about corporate control in public education.

Educators have expressed concerns that AI-powered features in Google Search, such as AI-generated overviews and conversational AI modes, may discourage students from independent inquiry and critical thinking. To address some feedback, Google emphasized that AI tools, including Gemini Notebook and Search, will be turned off by default and can be enabled individually by schools. Google also introduced a “Guided Learning” tool designed to help students engage with material and understand concepts step-by-step instead of relying on quick answers from AI.

In response to Google’s move, DuckDuckGo has actively pitched its search engine to schools searching for alternatives, touting its ability to offer AI features that can be fully disabled, thus preserving a non-AI search experience. DuckDuckGo’s CEO and public affairs team criticized Google’s approach as coercive and monopolistic. With Google’s vast footprint in classrooms through Chromebooks and Google Classroom—used by millions globally—this policy change accentuates the company’s control over educational resources as schools balance AI’s potential benefits against concerns about learning integrity and digital autonomy.