Google announced Tuesday morning that it would switch off AI products by default for students in schools that use the technology giant’s education software.But those schools that forgo its AI services would also be cut off from Google Search.
The move comes after mounting criticism from advocacy groups and senators about the spread of Google’s AI services available in classrooms.Until Tuesday, its AI products — branded under the Gemini moniker — were automatically activated for schools using Google Classroom.Google said Tuesday’s move would also cut off students’ access to Google Search if schools do not enable Gemini, given AI’s growing integration in the company’s search products.Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president and general manager of education, stated in a blog post announcing the change that access to Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search “will be entirely off for K-12 student accounts until school administrators explicitly turn them on.”“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.Some education and technology advocates immediately slammed the decision, painting the move as a punishment for schools that don’t use Google’s AI.
“It is unfortunate that Google has prioritized its business interests over the education of our children,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, a national educators union.“Instead of working with teachers and parents to uphold privacy and ensure their tools are safe and useful, it throws the baby out with the bathwater and bans access to the tools altogether,” she told NBC News in written comments.Josh Golin, executive director of advocacy group Fairplay, said in a statement that Google is attempting “to strong-arm schools into using its AI products.”“Schools should use this opportunity to help students find ...