Google plans to disable its AI tools for K–12 students next year unless school administrators choose to enable them. The company said the policy follows discussions with schools, teachers, researchers and policymakers, and will apply across Gemini, NotebookLM, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search.
But schools that choose to block AI altogether will also lose access to Google Search. Google says the search engine’s AI features are now too closely integrated to be switched off separately. Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president for education, told The New York Times that students in schools that restrict AI will see a message from their school saying Search is unavailable.
That creates a trade-off for schools that want to prevent students from using AI Overviews for research or assignments while still letting them use Search to find sources and learning materials. Schools that want to retain Google Search will have to accept its AI features, according to the announcement.
Phillips said Google would provide more details in the coming months so schools can prepare for the changes. The company said its aim is to give school leaders control over how AI products are used in classrooms.
Google announced the policy alongside the launch of Guided Learning in schools. The tool, introduced earlier this year, is designed to help users develop a deeper understanding rather than simply provide answers.
Sources: TechCrunch.