Google: Schools can keep search while skipping Gemini, but AI search is non-negotiable
Google faced the ire of educators and parents earlier this week when it announced a new AI policy for K–12 schools. Google said that it developed its new approach to give schools more control, but early reporting also suggested Google would block search access for schools that didn't want to use AI. Google didn't see the backlash coming, but now that it's here, the search giant is clarifying what exactly its new policy means and what's changing. The gist of the new policy, according to Google's
Get smart on it
Google announced a new AI policy for schools that technically offers more control but maintains AI as mandatory in search. Schools can now disable specific AI apps while keeping search active, or disable all AI entirely, but Google refuses to offer search without AI features because it views AI as the future of search. The policy sparked backlash from educators and parents who wanted the option to use search without AI tools, a choice Google will not provide. This matters because schools cannot escape AI integration with Google's services, and while competitors have limited alternatives, a recent antitrust case may eventually give them better access to web indexes to offer viable replacements.
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Also reported by The Verge, Ars Technica and Wired AI
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