Google AI in classrooms is facing scrutiny from two US senators. They have questioned Google CEO Sundar Pichai about the company’s growing use of artificial intelligence in education. Their concerns include student safety, mental health and the impact of AI on children’s learning.
US Senators Richard Blumenthal (Democrat, Connecticut) and Josh Hawley (Republican, Missouri) sent a letter to Pichai on October 21, 2026. They requested details about Google’s AI products and their potential effects on schoolchildren. The senators have asked Google to respond by November 2, 2026.
The inquiry comes as Google expands AI features across its education ecosystem. These include Chromebooks, Google Classroom and other services used by schools.
Why US senators are questioning Google AI in classrooms
The lawmakers have raised concerns about the growing presence of AI tools in schools. They want to understand how these products affect students’ academic performance and wellbeing.
Their letter refers to a Wall Street Journal investigation. It interviewed more than 60 teachers, parents, students and clinicians. The investigation examined how AI tools influence children’s learning and behaviour.
The senators also questioned whether Google has properly assessed the risks of introducing AI products to younger users.
They are particularly concerned about students becoming dependent on AI for academic tasks and emotional support. They also want to know how much control schools have over these features.
Nine questions target Google’s AI safety measures
Blumenthal and Hawley have submitted nine questions covering Google’s research, product policies and student protection measures.
They want Google to disclose research into the effects of Gemini, AI Overviews and AI Mode on children’s mental health and development.
The lawmakers also asked why certain AI features appear by default on educational devices. They want to know whether schools, teachers and parents have raised concerns about student dependence on AI.
Other questions examine Google’s promotional programmes for AI adoption in schools. The senators also seek details about the resources Google provides to educators.
They further asked whether Google’s systems have identified incidents involving harmful behaviour or emotional dependence among minors.
The letter also references research titled “The Ethics of Advanced AI Assistants”. The senators want Google to explain how it addressed concerns raised by this research, particularly those involving children and human-like AI interactions.
Google’s classroom AI expansion draws attention
Google remains a major provider of digital tools for educational institutions. Its products reach schools, teachers and students across multiple markets.
The company’s growing AI integration makes its education policies increasingly important. Schools must consider how these tools affect learning, privacy and student safety.
AI can help students understand difficult subjects and access information. Teachers can also use these tools to support classroom activities.
However, concerns remain about overreliance on AI. Educators and parents have also raised questions about independent thinking, data privacy and emotional dependence on chatbots.
The senators’ inquiry does not establish that Google’s products have caused widespread harm. Instead, it seeks information about the company’s research, safeguards and responses to reported incidents.
What Google’s response could reveal
Google has been asked to answer the nine questions by November 2, 2026. Its response could provide further details about its research and student protection policies.
The company may also face questions about how schools can manage or disable AI features across its educational products.
The inquiry adds to the wider debate over AI adoption in education. As technology companies introduce more AI tools into schools, student protection and responsible deployment remain important issues.
Google’s response could help clarify how the company plans to balance classroom innovation with the safety and wellbeing of younger users.
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