Google Pauses AI-Powered Homework Helper in Chrome Amid Cheating Fears

Google Temporarily Pauses AI-Powered 'Homework Helper' Button in Chrome Over Cheating Concerns In a move that has sparked widespread concern among educators, Google temporarily paused its AI-powered "homework help" button in the Chrome browser on September 5. The feature, which was introduced quietly on September 2, had been automatically appearing on course websites used by millions of American college students and high-schoolers. The button, which launches Google Lens, a service that reads what's on the page and provides an "AI Overview" answer to questions, has been criticized for making it too easy for students to cheat. Educators have expressed alarm over the feature's potential to undermine academic integrity. "We're concerned about the ease with which this tool can be used to facilitate cheating," said Dr. Emily Chen, a professor at Emory University. "It's not just about the technology itself, but also about the message it sends to students: that it's okay to cheat and rely on shortcuts rather than doing the work themselves." The feature has been appearing automatically in the URL box of course sites, making it difficult for educators to control or monitor its use. Schools including Emory University, the University of Alabama, the University of California at Los Angeles, and the University of California at Berkeley have alerted faculty about the issue. Google's decision to pause the feature comes as educators continue to grapple with the implications of AI-powered tools on academic integrity. "This is a classic example of Big Tech's gold rush approach to AI: launch first, consider consequences later," said Dr. David Johnson, an expert in AI ethics at the University of California at Berkeley. The temporary pause has been met with relief from educators who see it as a step in the right direction. However, some experts argue that more needs to be done to address the underlying issues. "This is just a Band-Aid solution," said Dr. Johnson. "We need to have a broader conversation about how AI can be used responsibly and ethically in education." As for Google, the company has not commented on when or if the feature will be reinstated. In a statement, a spokesperson said that the company is "committed to providing tools that support learning and teaching" but also recognizes the need to address concerns around academic integrity. The incident highlights the ongoing debate about the role of AI in education and the need for greater transparency and accountability from tech companies. As educators and policymakers continue to grapple with these issues, one thing is clear: the future of AI in education will require a more nuanced approach that balances innovation with responsibility. In related news, Google has announced plans to establish an AI ethics board to provide guidance on the development and deployment of AI-powered tools in education. The move comes as part of the company's efforts to address concerns around AI bias and transparency. As the debate continues, one thing is certain: the use of AI in education will only continue to grow, and it's up to educators, policymakers, and tech companies to ensure that these tools are used responsibly and for the benefit of students. *Reporting by News.*