Google will switch off Search, Gemini and Gemini Notebook by default for K-12 students and allow schools to choose to enable the services, the search engine company said in a post on X on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Schools can activate each service independently, allowing them to provide access to one, two or all three. Google said the changes came after educators sought control over students’ use of artificial intelligence.
“Today’s announcements give schools more choice, not less,” the company said.
The clarification addresses concerns about how schools can handle access to Google’s education services as AI becomes more accessible for students.
Google said AI mode Overviews in Search for schools will offer step-by-step instructions through problems to help students work through concepts instead of receiving the answers straight away.
In a separate blog post, Google education vice president and general manager Chris Phillips said the Search feature will be tested in select US schools this November before it expands to other school districts.
The company added that it will provide details before the access control rollout to give administrators time to prepare. The default settings apply to K–12 student accounts.
It also announced the global availability of Guided Learning in Google Classroom. It will feature teacher-assigned activities using class materials to help teachers get real-time information about where students may need additional help.
