Markey Demands Google Reverse Policy Linking Search to AI Tools
The Massachusetts senator argues the tech giant is forcing AI on K-12 students by restricting access to its search engine.
By Aiko Brooks ·
Senate Democrat Edward Markey is demanding that Alphabet reverse a new Google policy that blocks K-12 students from using Google Search unless their schools also adopt the company's AI education tools.
In a letter sent to Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai on Monday, Markey called for the policy's immediate rollback. The measure currently ties access to the widely used search platform to the use of AI-based applications like Google Classroom.
The policy affects a vast user base. According to Markey, approximately 150 million students and teachers currently use Classroom. He argued that Google is leveraging its dominant position in the education technology market to compel the adoption of AI chatbots for children.
"At a time when schools, parents and policymakers are working hard to implement safeguards on AI chatbots for our children, Google is recklessly forcing AI on schools and treating kids like collateral damage," Markey wrote in the letter.
Google has defended the change, stating it gives schools greater control over AI integration. Chris Phillips, vice president and general manager of education at Google, explained the reasoning in a blog post last week. "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.
An Alphabet spokesperson told CBS News that the company's AI features are now so tightly integrated into search that it cannot offer the latter without also enabling the AI services. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Markey's specific demands.
Markey asked Alphabet to confirm if it will allow schools to turn off AI features in K-12 accounts while preserving search access. He also requested disclosure of any research Google has conducted on the mental health impact of its AI tools on students. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined the criticism, accusing the tech giant of using monopoly power to force AI into public schools.
