Sen. Markey asks Google for AI-free Search option for schools

In short: Senator Edward J. Markey asked Google to let schools use Google Search without AI features, instead of forcing schools to accept them.

What happened

Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts sent questions to Google about how its search engine works for K–12 school accounts. He said schools should be able to use Google Search without built-in AI features.

His request came after Google announced new controls for education accounts. Google said Search and other AI products will be off by default for student accounts, and school administrators can choose what to turn on.

But Google also said that if a school turns Search on, it cannot remove AI features like AI Overviews and AI Mode while keeping Search available. AI Overviews are AI-written summaries that appear at the top of some results (like a short “answer card” before you click any links). Because these features are integrated into Search, Google is not offering an AI-free version of Search for schools.

Markey asked whether Google could provide search results for school accounts without AI-generated responses. He also asked Google to share any research it has on safety and educational effects of these AI features by the end of November.

Google said its student-focused “Guided Learning” features are meant to help students work through problems rather than simply hand them answers.

Why it matters

Schools rely on search engines every day. If AI summaries are always included, students may get information without checking sources, like reading only the book jacket instead of opening the book. The dispute is also about control, since schools want the ability to choose what tools students see.

Source: NYTimes