Google has announced changes to its artificial intelligence services for schools, under which students could lose access to Google Search if their institutions choose to prohibit AI tools entirely. The policy, expected to take effect in early 2027, has raised concerns among educators and policymakers over the growing integration of AI into online search.
The company said access to AI-enabled services, including Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Gemini in Classroom, would be disabled by default for kindergarten to Grade 12 student accounts unless school administrators explicitly activate them.
Google Search will also be turned off by default for these accounts, with administrators required to enable access.
However, schools seeking to retain conventional Google Search without AI features will not have that option under the announced arrangements.
Chris Phillips, Google's Vice President and General Manager of Education, told The New York Times that Search and AI were deeply integrated. He explained that students at schools prohibiting AI would not be able to access Google Search through their school accounts.
The changes follow feedback from educators, parents and policymakers seeking greater control over students' use of generative AI.
Google had previously faced criticism after expanding access to its Gemini chatbot for younger students in August. The decision prompted questions about the implications of AI-generated answers for academic integrity, independent learning and critical thinking.
Under the revised approach, schools will be able to decide which Google AI services students can access. However, the absence of a non-AI version of Search has become a point of contention.
Former US Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan criticised the arrangement, alleging that Google was using its position in online search to pressure schools into adopting AI.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also questioned the policy, arguing that technology companies should not determine how public schools approach AI adoption.
Google has maintained that the changes are intended to provide administrators with greater control over classroom technology.
The company is also introducing Guided Learning capabilities within Search, designed to help students work through questions and assignments rather than immediately providing completed answers.
The feature will use AI to offer step-by-step explanations and support problem-solving activities. Google said the approach is intended to encourage learning while addressing concerns about students relying on chatbots to complete schoolwork.
The announcement comes as major US school districts, including New York City and Los Angeles, have introduced restrictions on generative AI use among younger students while reviewing safety and educational implications.
Google says approximately 150 million students and educators worldwide use Google Classroom, reflecting the scale of its presence in education technology.
The policy highlights an emerging challenge for schools as AI becomes embedded within widely used digital services. Administrators will need to determine how to manage AI access while maintaining the online research tools used in classrooms.
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