Google lets schools turn off Gemini, but not the AI in search

Google is allowing school districts to turn off certain AI features in its services, but not the core Search functionality, according to changes announced on Tuesday. Google's vice president and general manager of education, Chris Phillips, explained in a blog post that the search engine, along with its Gemini chatbot, Gemini Notebook, and integrated study mode Guided Learning, will be disabled by default for K-12 student accounts.

However, the company stated they would provide more details to schools "in the coming months" ahead of the rollout.

This decision comes after Google faced criticism from parents and school districts over AI usage. In August, Google enabled its chatbot by default in Google Classroom for schools already allowing Gemini access, drawing negative reactions. In early September, two of the largest school systems in the country suspended AI usage for students, with New York City prohibiting AI use for students through eighth grade and Los Angeles Unified blocking AI on all district-issued devices.

Under the new controls, schools would either have to grant students access to Google Search with embedded AI features or entirely eliminate Google Search. Guided Learning, which offers step-by-step problem-solving guidance for students during their search queries, will also be extended to Search. Google plans to pilot this feature in select U.S. schools later this month and will expand it based on teacher feedback.

The company claims its research has shown measurable learning gains from Guided Learning, but did not cite any independent evaluations. The feature has also been made available worldwide in Google Classroom since Tuesday, allowing teachers to assign activities tied to class material and monitor student progress in real-time.