Senators question Google over AI expansion in schools

Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley have reportedly opened an inquiry into Google’s expansion of AI tools in schools. Their letter to CEO Sundar Pichai raises concerns about potential harm to children’s learning and development.

The inquiry concerns alleged risks rather than an established finding that Google’s products caused harm. Google has separately said it designs protections for younger Gemini users to discourage emotional dependence and prevent the assistant from presenting itself as human.

Google has promoted its education tools as support for teaching and individualized learning. The company says its development process draws on education research and collaboration with teachers and students.

The senators reportedly requested a response by November 2. That request seeks Google’s explanation of what it knows about the effects on students.