Google faces backlash for plan that would turn off Search for schools that restrict AI

What happened: Google said schools using its K-12 software must opt in to AI tools or students will lose access to Search, drawing criticism from politicians including Bernie Sanders, Richard Blumenthal, Lina Khan, and Zohran Mamdani. Why it matters: Critics called the move extortion and anti-competitive, while Google said it turned off AI products by default after educator feedback and that schools can enable Gemini and Search individually. Coverage: 8 outlets in 24h

Google said schools using its K-12 software must opt in to AI tools or students will lose access to Search, drawing criticism from politicians including Bernie Sanders, Richard Blumenthal, Lina Khan, and Zohran Mamdani.

Critics called the move extortion and anti-competitive, while Google said it turned off AI products by default after educator feedback and that schools can enable Gemini and Search individually.