Google will let schools disable AI, but not keep Search

Google says schools using its education products will soon be able to decide whether students and educators can use the company’s AI tools. Following consultations with educators, researchers, and lawmakers, Google plans to make those tools disabled by default when the changes roll out in the coming months. School administrators would have to enable them manually.

The policy applies to Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search. Google treats these services as a single group, so schools will not be able to permit some while blocking others. Choosing to disable the AI tools would also remove access to Search, according to the company’s approach. The decision comes as Google seeks to expand its education offerings beyond Chromebooks, while those devices and related products remain widely used in schools.