Mamdani Blasts Google for Forcing AI Into Schools via Search Block

What happened

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani sharply criticized Google's decision to disable its search engine in schools that restrict its AI features. In a social media statement, Mamdani said Google was "trying to use its monopoly power to force AI into our public schools."

Google announced Tuesday that it would turn off AI features in its student software unless school administrators specifically chose to activate them. But the company added a twist: if schools decide to restrict all its AI features, it would also disable their access to Google Search.

Google's rationale

Chris Phillips, Google's vice president for education, told the New York Times, which first reported the decision, that "Search and AI are deeply integrated." Critics say the vague explanation gives the impression of a technical problem rather than a deliberate choice to ice out AI-wary schools.

Google Search now places AI summaries and a chat window at the top of results, turning the experience into something closer to using a chatbot.

Educators' concerns

Parents and educators want students to develop critical thinking and independent research skills. Many school districts are also wary of giving students access to full chatbot products like Google Gemini, which has become synonymous with effortless cheating on assignments.

Mamdani made AI in education a key part of his agenda, announcing in September a one-year moratorium on New York City schools using AI in the classroom. Google's move has reignited that debate.