Google pauses Chrome ‘Homework Help’ after backlash from educators

TDT | agencies

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Google has temporarily disabled a new “Homework Help” button in its Chrome browser following widespread criticism from educators who warned it could promote cheating and undermine learning.

The tool, introduced earlier this month, was designed to assist students by interpreting questions on educational websites through Google Lens and then generating AI-powered answers. However, many teachers and universities argued that the feature was rolled out without consultation and risked bypassing genuine study and problem-solving.

Faculty members from leading institutions, including the University of California campuses and Emory University, voiced concerns about academic integrity, data privacy, and the ethics of embedding such technology directly into a web browser. They noted that while AI can play a constructive role in education, providing automatic answers to tests and assignments crosses into dishonest territory.

In response to the backlash, Google announced that it was “pausing” the feature while it reviews feedback. The company has not clarified whether Homework Help will return in a revised form or be scrapped altogether.

The controversy highlights the growing tension between technological innovation and the classroom. Schools and universities around the world are grappling with how to balance AI’s potential benefits—such as tutoring, feedback, and personalised learning—with the risks of over-reliance and academic misconduct.

For students, the debate raises important questions: where should the line be drawn between seeking support and taking shortcuts? Some argue that AI can make education more accessible, while others worry it discourages critical thinking.

As Google reconsiders its approach, educators are calling for greater dialogue between tech companies and academic institutions to ensure that tools intended to help students do not compromise the very purpose of education.