Press Release: 11/10/2026

Markey Demands Google Allow Schools to Disable AI Services Without Blocking Search Access

Letter Text (PDF)



Washington (November 9, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today wrote to Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet Inc. and Google, demanding the company reverse its policy to block access to Google Search on K-12 student accounts at schools that want to disable artificial intelligence (AI) services, including Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot. AI chatbots are often designed to encourage compulsive use and emotional attachment exposing children to risks of manipulation and, in some more serious cases, have resulted in chatbots encouraging children to die by suicide. Google should not use its dominant position in the education technology market to force schools to adopt potentially dangerous AI technologies or risk losing a critical research tool like Google Search.



In the letter, Senator Markey wrote, “Just this month, a girl and her family sued Google after Gemini allegedly ‘helped coach her through a plan to commit suicide.’ The girl accessed Gemini through Google Search on a school-issued Chromebook, even though the school had blocked access to Gemini’s standalone app and website. At a time when schools, parents, and policymakers are working hard to implement safeguards on AI chatbots for our children, Google is recklessly forcing AI on schools and treating kids like collateral damage. Schools deserve the right to block student access to AI chatbots without also forfeiting access to an important educational tool.”



Senator Markey continued, “Google’s dominant position in education technology makes this ultimatum particularly concerning. Although Google has a right to create and offer new educational tools, it should not use its dominant market position to force schools to adopt them.”



Senator Markey requested the following information by November 30, 2026:




  1. Will Google commit to allowing schools to disable generative AI features and chatbots on K-12 student accounts, including AI Overviews, Gemini, and Guided Learning, while retaining access to Google Search?

  2. Is it technically feasible for Google to provide K-12 student accounts with Google Search results that exclude AI Overviews, Guided Learning, and other generative AI features or chatbots?

  3. Please provide any research, testing, or risk assessments that Google has conducted on the safety, mental health, and learning effects of AI Overviews, Gemini, and Guided Learning on K-12 students, including for children under age 13.

  4. How many K-12 schools and districts that use Google’s products currently restrict or prohibit students’ access to generative AI features or AI chatbots outside Google Search?



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