Google's new school controls could leave US pupils without Google Search unless administrators enable it, Senator Edward Markey has warned. The Massachusetts Democrat is urging the company to let schools block AI tools while retaining access to its search engine.
In a letter to Alphabet chief executive Sundar Pichai on Monday, 9 November, Markey said the policy could limit schools' ability to protect children online.
The request follows Google's announcement of new controls for its services in schools, including its Gemini chatbot. Markey said schools should be able to disable AI features while keeping Google Search, which students and teachers use for online research.
Markey Challenges Google's School AI Policy
In his letter, Markey criticised Google's decision to link search access with AI-enabled services for kindergarten through 12th-grade (K-12) student accounts. He argued that the arrangement could pressure schools into accepting technologies they consider unsuitable for children. The senator questioned whether administrators could independently decide which Google services students could access.
Markey said schools should not have to choose between enabling AI tools and maintaining access to Google Search. He called on the company to reconsider its approach to integrating AI into educational services. He also raised concerns about Google's market position and its influence over classroom technology.
The senator cited a lawsuit alleging that Google's Gemini chatbot helped a minor develop a suicide plan. According to his letter, the student accessed Gemini through Google Search on a school-issued Chromebook despite restrictions on its standalone services. The allegations have not been established in court.
Google Says Search Cannot Be Separated From AI Features
Google maintains that its revised policy gives administrators greater control over student access to AI products. In a 3 November blog post, education executive Chris Phillips announced that several services would remain disabled for K-12 accounts until administrators explicitly activated them. These include Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Google Search.
A Google spokesperson told CBS News that AI features are closely integrated with Search, preventing the company from offering the search service separately from those capabilities. Under the announced arrangement, administrators must enable Google Search for students to access it.
Google is also introducing Guided Learning features designed to provide structured explanations rather than immediate answers to students' questions. The company says the tools are intended to support critical thinking and learning. A limited pilot programme involving US schools is scheduled to begin later in November.
Markey Seeks Answers on Student Safety
Markey has asked Google to explain whether schools can disable AI Overviews, Gemini and Guided Learning while retaining Google Search. He also wants information about the company's research into the effects of AI tools on children's mental health, safety and learning. Google has until 30 November to respond.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has also criticised Google's approach to AI access in schools. He accused the company of using its market position to encourage public schools to adopt AI services and raised concerns about administrators' ability to control which technologies students can use.
Markey has also asked Google to explain its decisions on AI integration and the safeguards available to schools. His letter seeks details about how the company evaluates potential risks associated with students' access to AI tools. Google has not announced whether it will revise the policy in response to the senator's request.
