Google will restrict students' access to its search engine in schools that choose not to adopt the company's artificial intelligence (AI) tools, the technology giant announced Tuesday.
The decision means schools using Google's classroom software will have to enable AI features to retain access to the company's search engine, which is increasingly integrated with AI technology.
The Mountain View, California-based company has faced growing criticism from educators, child development specialists and parents over the use of AI in schools. Concerns intensified in August when Google activated its Gemini chatbot for many K-12 students using Google Classroom.
In its latest announcement, Google said enabling its AI services would no longer be the default setting for school administrators. Instead, K-12 schools will be able to independently activate or deactivate individual services, including Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Google Search. All these tools will remain switched off by default until administrators enable them.
However, schools that reject AI entirely will also lose access to Google Search because of its integration with the technology.
"We believe schools should have control over AI in their classrooms and in providing administrators with controls to help them manage their approach," Chris Phillips, Google's vice president and general manager of education, said in a blog post.
Google also announced plans to improve its search services for educational purposes by introducing step-by-step guided learning features. These tools will help students work through problems rather than simply providing quick answers to their school assignments.
Despite the changes, schools will not be able to completely avoid Google's AI technology while continuing to use its search services.
Google is the leading provider of educational technology to schools across the United States. The company says around 150 million students and teachers worldwide use Google Classroom, while many students also rely on school-issued Chromebook computers.
The company faced widespread criticism in August after enabling Gemini for many K-12 students. Before that change, the chatbot could only be activated for students aged 18 and above.
Tuesday's announcement quickly drew criticism from educators and policymakers.
Lina Khan, former chair of the US Federal Trade Commission, accused Google of exploiting its dominance in the search market to pressure schools into adopting AI.
"Google is using its search monopoly to coerce schools into adopting AI," Khan wrote on social media, warning that allowing an unregulated dominant company to control an essential service could create serious risks.
She added that as public opposition to AI in schools grows, Google is making it clear that institutions refusing to adopt the technology could face consequences.
New York City and Los Angeles, which operate the country's two largest school districts, have temporarily restricted generative AI tools in elementary and middle schools while assessing their safety, educational impact and appropriate use.
Although many students already rely on AI for schoolwork and homework, critics warn that the technology can make cheating easier and encourage students to seek instant answers instead of developing critical thinking skills. Experts have also questioned the potential effects of AI exposure on children's brain development.
Josh Golin, executive director of children's advocacy group Fairplay, said Google's attempt to pressure schools into adopting its AI products could ultimately prove counterproductive.
He argued that Google's presence in schools is less about improving education and more about building long-term customer loyalty to its products.
"Because AI isn't safe for kids and undermines education and critical thinking, schools should turn off Google's AI tools the minute that option becomes available," Golin said in a statement.
Rather than worrying about losing access to Google Search, Golin encouraged schools to consider abandoning Google's services altogether. He urged educational institutions to explore more privacy-focused search alternatives and encourage students to conduct deeper research beyond simply searching and clicking on online results.