Google is giving US schools more control over AI tools, but there is a catch. Schools that ban AI entirely will also lose access to Google Search under the company’s new policy.
The change affects K-12 student accounts. Google said AI-powered products, including Gemini and Google Search, will now be turned off by default. School administrators must choose whether to turn them on.
The move comes as more schools question how to use AI in the classroom. Some districts have already restricted or banned generative AI tools over concerns about learning, student development, and safety.
Google said the new controls were designed to give educators more choice. However, the company also confirmed that schools that block AI completely will not be able to use Google Search.
According to Google education vice president Chris Phillips, Search and AI are now closely connected. That means schools cannot remove AI from Search and still keep access to the service.
This marks a big change for schools that rely on Google products every day. Chromebooks and Google services are widely used by students for lessons, research, and assignments.
Google announced the update alongside new “guided learning” features. Instead of giving quick answers, the company says its AI tools will help students work through problems step by step when doing schoolwork.
Also Read: Google will limit free access to Gemini models
The search giant will share more details with schools before rolling out the changes. The policy applies to K-12 schools in the US, but it could add to the growing debate around AI in classrooms worldwide as educators look for the right balance between new technology and student learning.
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