Bernie Sanders Accuses Google of 'Extortion' Over AI Use in Schools, Says Tech Giants Can't Be Trusted to Regulate Themselves

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) accused Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) Google of using its influence over schools to push artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, warning that technology companies cannot be trusted to regulate themselves.

Sanders Blasts Google’s AI Policy In Schools

On Tuesday, in a post on X, Sanders criticized President Donald Trump’s approach to AI regulation, referring to Trump’s argument that technology executives could regulate themselves because they “love our country.”

“Now, Google is threatening schools: if you stop your students from using AI, we will cut off your access to Google Search,” Sanders wrote.

“That’s not love. That’s extortion,” he added, accusing the technology giant of pressuring schools over their AI policies.

Sanders concluded his post with a direct demand: “PAUSE AI NOW.”

Google did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.

President Trump claimed that AI oligarchs could regulate themselves because they "love our country."

Now, Google is threatening schools: if you stop your students from using AI, we will cut off your access to Google Search.

That’s not love. That’s extortion.

PAUSE AI NOW.

— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) November 3, 2026

Lawmakers Criticize Google’s AI Push In Schools

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani accused Google of using its “monopoly power to force AI” into public schools, arguing that education should serve students rather than “grow the profit margins of Big Tech.”

Google announced that it would disable Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Search by default for K-12 student accounts, allowing schools to re-enable the services.

The company said the changes offered schools “more choice, not less” and introduced AI features designed to guide students through problems.

Last month, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) criticized Google’s classroom AI expansion, warning that it was “damaging students’ academic & emotional well-being” and urging the company to “be responsible.”

AI Gains Ground In Education

Earlier this year, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced that students could take free, full-length SAT practice tests through Google’s Gemini app, using vetted material from The Princeton Review.

The tool offered instant feedback, identified knowledge gaps, and helped students develop personalized study plans.

Last year, billionaire investor Bill Ackman backed Alpha School, praising its AI-powered education model, which limited academic instruction to two hours daily, followed by four hours of leadership and life-skills training.

Founded by MacKenzie Price, the private school operated campuses in Texas, Florida, and California and planned to open a K-8 campus in New York City. Annual tuition ranged from $40,000 to $65,000.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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