Google is changing how US schools manage its AI tools. Administrators will be able to activate or disable products individually, including the Gemini assistant, Gemini Notebook and Search. Each will be off by default until a school enables it. However, schools that opt out of AI entirely will also lose access to Google Search, which Google says is integrated with its AI features.
The company said the changes would give school administrations more control over how AI is used in classrooms. Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president for education, wrote in a blog post that schools should be able to shape their own approach. Google also said it is updating its search tools to make them more suitable for learning, including by preventing students from getting quick answers to school assignments.
The policy comes amid growing concern among educators and parents about AI in classrooms. In August, Google drew criticism after making its Gemini chatbot available to many US students using Google Classroom. Previously, the company had limited activation of Gemini to people aged 18 and older.
The announcement prompted criticism from educators and policymakers. Lina Khan, a former chair of the US Federal Trade Commission, said Google was using its search position to pressure schools into adopting AI. She warned that the move could penalize institutions that choose not to use the technology.
New York City and Los Angeles have temporarily barred generative AI tools in some elementary and middle schools while assessing their safety and developing guidelines. Experts have also raised concerns about possible effects on children’s brain development. Josh Golin of children’s rights group Fairplay argued that Google’s approach could backfire, saying schools should disable its AI tools because, in his view, they undermine education and critical thinking.
Google says 150 million students and teachers worldwide use Google Classroom. Many students also use Chromebooks provided by their schools.
Sources: Der Spiegel.