Google is tightening controls over AI features in education, issuing an ultimatum to schools regarding student access to Search. In blog posts Tuesday, Google stated that access to Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search will be entirely off for K-12 student accounts until school administrators explicitly enable them. The company clarified that administrators can enable these products individually, walking back a default-on change made this summer that sparked educator backlash.
Google emphasized that Search and AI are deeply integrated; if a school bans AI tools, students will lose Search access entirely. Chromebooks and Google education apps are widely used in US schools, potentially forcing districts to seek alternative platforms if they refuse Google's terms. Several jurisdictions have enacted AI bans, including New York City and Los Angeles, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signing a law restricting chatbot features for minors.
Conversely, Google is rolling out Guided Learning globally in Classroom, offering step-by-step explanations and interactive quizzes rather than direct answers. Teachers can access chatbot interaction transcripts in the school version. Google will test this approach in select US schools this month before broader expansion, aiming to balance AI utility with educational oversight and cheating prevention.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing