Google locks Search with AI, forcing schools to choose between research and technology

> Google is tightening its grip on educational software with a major policy update this year. The company is making its AI tools, including Gemini and AI Overviews, integrated and mandatory in Google Search for students.

This move means that if a school decides to ban AI features entirely, students won't even be able to use Google Search at all. Google plans the changes to roll out early next year, claiming they are offering administrators 'more choice' that is actually non-negotiable.

Critics are firing back at the company, accusing it of using its near-monopoly to force AI into classrooms. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called it a power grab, arguing that tech giants shouldn't dictate teaching methods.

The massive investment in devices makes this a big play for the company. Education accounted for 60% of the Chromebook's global market share, totaling $14 billion, which has been a massive source of Google’s profit.

Some experts, however, think the backlash could backfire. Professor Jared Cooney Horvath suggested that forcing students to see AI might actually drive them back to physical books and library research instead of relying on Google.

This shift also benefits rivals. DuckDuckGo saw its traffic triple after Google announced the Search overhaul, with the platform seeing an increase in users who prefer its AI-free search experience.