Google turns off AI for schoolchildren by default

Google has announced that it will turn off its AI tools for schoolchildren by default following criticism over its AI features in classrooms. The company's education apps, such as Gmail, Docs, and Classroom, as well as its Chromebook laptops, are widely used in American schools. Google's Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Search will be disabled for K-12 student accounts until administrators enable them.

Google will roll out the new controls worldwide, starting in the United States, but has not set a specific date. If schools ban AI, students will lose access to Search and see a message indicating unavailability. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani criticized Google for attempting to force AI into public schools through its monopoly power.

Over 150 million students globally use Google Classroom, leading Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley to question the default AI features on school devices. Google introduced Gemini chatbot in Classroom to students of all ages, providing starter prompts for guided help and study materials. New York and Los Angeles plan to restrict AI tool access on school devices, emphasizing the need for careful introduction and clear safeguards.

NYC Public Schools seeks more details from Google about the policy change, already disabling Gemini chatbot and AI mode on NYC students' Chromebooks. Google claims the changes give schools more choice rather than less.