Google to let schools opt out of AI tools, but access to Search will be tied to AI use
Google will require K-12 districts to enable its AI features to keep using Search, offering administrators the option to disable AI tools for students.
Google announced that starting next year K-12 schools will need to explicitly enable its AI-powered tools for students, or they will lose access to Google Search. The policy applies to the company's Gemini models, NotebookLM, Gemini in Classroom and the AI functions built into Search.
Chris Phillips, vice president for education at Google, said that “Search and AI are deeply integrated,” adding that schools that block AI will see a message indicating that Search is unavailable for their students.
The move follows consultations with educators, researchers and policymakers, and aims to give school leaders control over AI deployment in classrooms. Phillips said Google will provide more details in the coming months to help schools prepare for the transition.
The change highlights the growing reliance on Google’s suite of applications in education, as institutions that wish to retain Search must accept its AI capabilities.