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Google Tells Schools They Can Reject AI—But They’ll Lose Search, Too
Google says schools will be able to disable several AI products for student accounts, but they cannot use Google Search without its generative AI features. The decision matters because schools seeking to limit AI in learning may have to choose between AI-powered search and switching to another search engine.
AI products will be off by default for K-12 student accounts unless administrators enable them, and schools can manage Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Gemini in Classroom separately from Search. From early 2027, schools that keep Search can choose AI Overviews and AI Mode or the education-focused Guided Learning experience, but neither is a traditional AI-free search option. New York City has restricted student-facing AI through eighth grade for nearly 600,000 pupils, while Los Angeles had sought to retain Search without AI summaries. Google says Search and AI are closely integrated; critics, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former FTC chair Lina Khan, say the approach pressures schools to adopt AI.
In short
- Schools can disable Google’s standalone AI tools.
- Google Search will still include generative AI features.
- New controls are expected in early 2027.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Google can argue that generative features are now closely integrated into Search, so offering a separate AI-free version may be impractical and could make results less useful or harder to maintain. Keeping AI products off by default for younger pupils and letting schools manage other tools separately gives administrators meaningful safeguards while preserving access to a widely used search service.
The case against
Schools can argue that access to ordinary web search is an important educational resource, and requiring AI features alongside it leaves them without a meaningful way to limit students’ exposure. They may see this as pressure to accept tools they consider unsuitable for some ages or learning settings, and as reducing their ability to set technology policies around pupils’ needs.
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