Google will let schools skip AI tools, but they have to give up search, too

Google will allow schools to opt out of AI tools in their education products, but doing so will also disable search functionality for students. The affected products include Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search. Schools will have to manually enable AI tools when the changes roll out in the coming months. Google is taking a consistent approach in the education space, mirroring its consumer approach, where search and AI are deeply integrated. The company is not creating a version of search without AI tools for schools, instead offering two AI options: Gemini-based AI and the new 'Guided Learning' version. Schools can choose to enable either one or neither of these options. This will leave schools with a difficult decision, as they will have to choose between allowing AI tools and sacrificing search functionality, or disabling AI tools and limiting students' access to search.