Google announced that AI tools for K-12 students will be disabled by default next year unless school administrators explicitly turn them on. The change covers Gemini, NotebookLM, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search. It follows consultations with schools, teachers, researchers, and policymakers. Because search and AI are deeply integrated, schools that restrict AI altogether will also lose access to Google Search. Students in those schools will see a message that Search is unavailable. Schools can enable the services individually, but Search includes AI features such as AI Mode and AI Overviews. Google is also rolling out Guided Learning, designed to help students build understanding rather than receive direct answers. The company says the goal is to give school leaders more control. Critics argue the inseparable link between Search and AI limits real choice given Google’s heavy presence in classrooms.
Google announced that AI tools for K-12 students will be disabled by default next year unless school administrators explicitly turn them on. The change covers Gemini, NotebookLM, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search. It follows consultations with schools, teachers, researchers, and policymakers. Because search and AI are deeply integrated, schools that restrict AI altogether will also lose access to Google Search. Students in those schools will see a message that Search is unavailable. Schools can enable the services individually, but Search includes AI features such as AI Mode and AI Overviews. Google is also rolling out Guided Learning, designed to help students build understanding rather than receive direct answers. The company says the goal is to give school leaders more control. Critics argue the inseparable link between Search and AI limits real choice given Google’s heavy presence in classrooms.