Google turns off AI for schoolchildren by default

Google will turn off its AI tools by default for K-12 student accounts, following criticism that it had introduced AI features in schools before many had decided how to use them. The change gives school administrators control over whether students can access the tools, but Google Search’s AI features are integrated into the search engine, so schools that disable AI will also block students from using Search.

The changes cover Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Search, and are set to roll out worldwide, starting in the United States, though Google has not announced a date. More than 150 million students worldwide use Google Classroom, according to US senators who questioned Google about AI being enabled by default. New York and Los Angeles have announced plans to restrict AI on school devices; Google says the new controls give schools more choice.