Google Will End Search Access for Schools That Opt Out of Its AI Tools
Google says schools that choose not to use artificial intelligence (AI) will also lose access to its search engine through Google’s school services.
The company announced Tuesday that school administrators will be able to choose which Google tools students can use. Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Google Search will all be turned off by default. Administrators can turn them on separately. But Google says Search is connected to AI, so schools that reject AI completely will not be able to use Google Search.
Google says it wants schools to have more control over the technology used in classrooms. The company is also changing its search tools to offer step-by-step help with school problems, rather than simply giving students quick answers.
The announcement comes after growing concern about AI in schools. In August, Google turned on its Gemini chatbot for many students in kindergarten through grade 12. Before then, schools could only turn on Gemini for students who were 18 or older. The change drew criticism from parents, teachers and child-development experts.
Some critics say AI tools can make it easier for students to cheat or avoid thinking through problems. Experts have also raised questions about how AI may affect children’s development.
Lina Khan, a former head of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, accused Google of using its powerful position in search to pressure schools to adopt AI. She said schools that do not want AI could be punished by losing access to an important service.
Google is the leading provider of education technology for U.S. schools. The company says about 150 million students and teachers around the world use Google Classroom. Many students also use school-provided Chromebook computers.
Some school districts are already setting limits on AI. New York City and Los Angeles have temporarily banned generative AI tools in elementary and middle schools while they study safety and create rules for their use.
Josh Golin, head of the children’s advocacy group Fairplay, said Google’s approach could backfire. He argued that schools should consider other search options that offer more privacy, instead of relying on Google.
Google says its new settings will give schools more choice. But schools that want to avoid AI altogether will have to give up Google Search as well.
