US senators send nine questions to Google CEO Sundar Pichai
Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley are seeking information regarding the impact of AI tools on children's mental health and education.
US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley have written a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai seeking answers about the company's AI tools in schools. The senators are requesting information following an investigation into how these products affect the educational development and mental health of schoolchildren.
The senators claimed that Google's promotion of AI in classrooms has resulted in negative outcomes for many students. They cited a Wall Street Journal report involving interviews with teachers, parents, students, and clinicians, noting that national test scores have declined and students struggle with critical thinking or independent assignments since AI was introduced.
In the letter, the senators stated that Google's aggressive promotion of AI products to children in schools threatens the academic success and wellbeing of a generation. They also expressed concern that the company might be putting profit ahead of the interests of young people.
The nine questions sent to Pichai include requests for research conducted on the potential negative impacts of Gemini, AI Overviews, and AI Mode on children's mental wellbeing. The senators also asked why AI integration is set as the default on some licensed education devices and if it is sometimes impossible to disable these features.
Additional questions cover the amount of money Google has spent on promotional programs to expand AI adoption in schools and whether the company has identified instances where AI tools encouraged harmful behaviour or emotional dependence in minors. The senators have set a deadline of November 2, 2026, for a response from the company.