Chicago schools furious as Google's AI ultimatum backfires
Parents and pupils up in arms with Google's classroom pitch.
Students protesting against Google AI in Chicago. Scott Olson vi Getty Images.
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- Chicago Public Schools may replace Google Search if it cannot block AI Overviews for students.
- Google says Search and its AI features are now too closely linked to offer separately.
- Around 30 parents, educators, and students protested outside Google’s Chicago office.
- Some critics argue schools can switch to other search engines, including privacy-focused DuckDuckGo.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has warned that it could abandon Google Search rather than force students to use the company's unwanted AI features.
A CPS spokesperson told local reporters that the district was "actively exploring all options to independently suppress" the AI Overviews appearing at the top of Google searches.
They added that if CPS cannot give students access to Google Search without its AI feature, it will "look to other search solutions."
The response follows Google's insistence that schools will have to accept its AI services to retain student access to search.
As a consequence, around 30 people, including parents, educators, and students protested outside Google's West Loop office in Chicago.
Hey Google, nice try. We don't want your Gemini,went the catchy slogan.
One pupil at the protest told Chalkbeat Chicago that students preferred to have autonomy in learning and not have an AI “yes man” create a "nonsensical answer.”
What was Google's reason for the ultimatum?
Google has defended its approach by saying it is working to improve Search for classroom use, including testing its Guided Learning feature.
Chris Phillips, Google's vice president has argued that Google Search and its AI features are now too closely integrated to be offered separately, meaning schools that block Google's AI tools could also lose access to Search for their students.
Over on X, one poster acknowledged Google’s position, but pointed out that there were many alternatives.
https://t.co/Wrtq1SKuZS 👀🧐 Interesting... I see Google's point to some extent if that's the way the product is engineered but there are so many alternatives.. And I'm sure it's the kids revolting...yeah okay.. 🙄
undefined David Gemuenden (@davidgemuenden) November 12, 2026
Incidentally, DuckDuckGo’s CEO Gabriel Weinberg, this week, publicly encouraged schools to consider switching to their privacy-oriented search engine.
