Google Will Turn Off Search for Schools That Reject A.I

Google plans to disable artificial intelligence features by default in its K-12 education software early next year, giving school administrators the choice to enable them. But schools that reject Google’s A.I. entirely will also lose access to Google Search within student accounts, because the company says search and A.I. are now tightly integrated. Given Google’s dominance in schools through Chromebooks, Gmail, Docs and Classroom, the policy effectively pressures districts to accept some A.I. if they want students to keep using its search engine. The change reverses an August decision that automatically enabled A.I. features in Classroom for schools whose students could use Gemini.

Google says its tools can support teaching and personalized learning, and is developing Guided Learning, a chatbot designed to lead students through topics rather than simply provide answers. Beginning in early 2027, schools that permit A.I. will be able to choose between conventional search with A.I. summaries and chat, or search paired with Guided Learning. The school version is being piloted with controls such as teachers’ ability to review chatbot transcripts. The announcement comes amid growing concern that chatbots enable cheating, spread misinformation and may weaken critical thinking or foster emotional dependence. Parent opposition is growing, New York has passed a chatbot safety law for minors, and New York City and Los Angeles have restricted student A.I. use. Google’s approach leaves districts seeking A.I.-free search without a way to use Google Search on school accounts.