Parents and teachers decry Google pledge to yank Search if schools block AI: ‘This threat is nothing but extortion’

Company says schools should control student AI use, but if they block its AI tools, they’ll lose access to search engine

Parents and teachers across the US are criticizing Google’s announcement that schools choosing to block AI tools could also lose access to Google Search.

Google announced last week a range of new AI tools for schools and classrooms, alongside options allowing teachers and administrators to restrict their use. The company said schools should have control over whether students use AI in the classroom, but that schools that choose to block Google’s AI tools will also lose access to its search engine.