Google Lets Schools Opt Out of AI, but Only by Giving Up Search

Google says schools using its education products will be opted out of AI tools by default, but administrators who keep them off will also remove student access to Google Search. The change affects Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search, with no option to enable search while disabling AI. Google is betting that schools will choose AI access rather than give up search.

Opt-in by default for AI tools

After consulting educators, researchers, and lawmakers, Google decided that schools using its education products will be opted out of AI tools by default. Administrators will have to manually enable them when the changes roll out in the coming months. Google says there is no picking and choosing among the affected products.

Search and AI are linked

In a statement to The New York Times, Google education VP Chris Phillips said search and AI are deeply integrated. If a school chooses not to enable AI, students will not have access to search and will see a message from their school that it is not available. Google could make a version of search for schools without AI tools, but it is not doing that. This is consistent with Google's consumer approach, where executives have said Google Search is AI search, most searches now provide an AI Overview at the top, and the company nudges users toward the conversational AI Mode chatbot function.

Guided Learning option

When schools enable AI for student accounts, they will have two options: the standard Gemini-based AI and the new Guided Learning version. Guided Learning, available in Classroom as well as search, is supposed to provide one-on-one tutoring and assistance without giving away all the answers. Google notes that all of its generative AI products can make mistakes, so it may not be difficult to talk the chatbot into doing homework.

Alternatives and concerns

Google is betting that schools will not want to give up Google Search and will therefore accept AI tools, exposing students to AI early and often. Schools that do not like Google's approach could switch to alternatives such as DuckDuckGo, which lets users disable AI features. The question remains whether Guided Learning will be enough to address their concerns.

Sources: Ars Technica