Google to disable Search in schools that reject its AI

Google says it will turn off Google Search for K-12 student accounts at schools that do not enable its AI features. In an education update, the company said access to Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search will be unavailable unless administrators explicitly activate them. Students at schools that decline the AI tools will see a notice saying Search is not available.

Administrators will not be able to disable Gemini-powered features while keeping Search active. Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president of education, told The New York Times that Search and AI are deeply integrated. Google did not immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment.

The decision follows Google’s earlier move to turn on its Gemini assistant by default in Google Classroom, which is used by more than 150 million teachers and students worldwide. Google is also adding Guided Learning to AI Overviews in Search to help students work through problems rather than use AI for shortcuts. The company plans to test that feature in selected US schools this month.