Google Search and the phrase, “Google it,” are synonymous with looking up things online. But what if Google Search does not work for you anymore? This is what some school students may face if their school does not want Google’s AI products.
The tech giant has changed its policy for school products. From early 2027, all AI products, including Gemini, will be switched off by default for school students. But the catch is that Google Search will also not work unless the school turns on AI features.
“We are now updating our approach to controls for Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search,” Chris Phillips, Google VP and GM of Education said in a blog post. “Access to these products will be entirely off for K-12 student accounts until school administrators explicitly turn them on.” K-12 is a term used for schooling in the US and Canada, which covers kindergarten to the final year of high school.
Google says you can use Search but with AI
But this decision sparked backlash online. Later, Google clarified that schools could enable Search without activating additional Gemini products. However, Search would retain built-in AI features, including AI-generated summaries, because “AI is increasingly integrated into the service.”
“We believe schools should have control over AI in their classrooms and in providing administrators with controls to help them manage their approach,” Chris Philips said.
Google enabled Gemini in its Classroom platform earlier this year, allowing children to access AI products unless districts disabled them. This raised concerns over students using AI to do schoolwork. Thirteen parent advocacy organisations, including the Digital Childhood Institute and Schools Beyond Screens, asked US school districts to disable Gemini and YouTube.
According to the company, its updated AI Mode and AI Overviews can offer step-by-step guidance so students did not receive quick answers to schoolwork.
Google has also announced a Guided Learning system that can detect homework-related requests and lead students through concepts instead of providing answers. A Google Search pilot will begin in selected US schools, while Guided Learning is available globally in Classroom.
Google said that its school version comes with stronger restrictions and allows teachers to review transcripts, compared to the consumer version you use on your smartphone.
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