Google to Require School Opt-In for Gemini and Search

Starting next year, access to Google Search and several Gemini tools will be turned off by default for students aged 5 to 18 unless school administrators choose to enable them. Google says the change gives school leaders more control over classroom AI use, but some educators worry that keeping Search available may require accepting AI features. The company says schools will receive more details about the change in the coming months.

What changes for schools

Starting next year, Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search will be entirely off for students aged 5 to 18 unless school administrators explicitly decide to turn them on. Google said its goal is to provide school leaders with control and confidence to use AI products in classrooms as they see fit. Administrators can choose to turn on one, several, or all services individually, according to the company.

Concerns from educators

Some educators may not want students using AI Overviews, but they still want access to Google Search so students can find up-to-date information and reliable sources for assignments. To allow students to use Google Search, schools will have to turn Google's AI products back on. The announced change sparked online discussion, with many users arguing that the company is putting schools in a tough position. One user wrote that Google at schools has been nothing but a distraction and contributed to dumbing up an entire generation of kids.

Google's response

Google said today's announcements give schools more choice, not less. The company also said it is updating Search to tailor it for schools, with AI Mode and AI Overviews offering step-by-step guided learning through problems so that students do not get quick answers to schoolwork. Google said schools should receive more information about the change in the coming months.

Sources: Cybernews