The key facts

  • Starting next year, Google's AI tools for K-12 students will be disabled by default unless administrators explicitly enable them
  • Schools that fully block AI will also lose access to Google Search: 'Search and AI are deeply integrated,' said education vice president Chris Phillips
  • At the same time, Google is launching Guided Learning in schools — an AI tool that works as a tutor

AI is off by default, but it cannot be turned off entirely

Google announced on Tuesday that starting next year, access to its AI tools for K-12 students will be disabled by default unless school administrators explicitly enable them. The changes affect Gemini, NotebookLM, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search. The company explains the decision by consultations with schools, teachers, researchers, and policymakers, and says it wants to give school leaders 'control and confidence' in using AI in classrooms. This was reported by TechCrunch and Anadolu citing a company statement.

A dilemma for schools

The problem is that it is now impossible to fully opt out of AI without losing search: AI features are built into Google Search, and the two cannot be separated. Google's vice president of education, Chris Phillips, in a comment to The New York Times, explained that 'Search and AI are deeply integrated,' so in schools that block AI, students 'will not have access to search' and will see a message that it is unavailable. Teachers who do not want students to use AI overviews for research and assignments will have to choose: either accept AI features to keep search, or lose both. Given that Google services — search, Gmail, and Chromebooks — are widely used in American schools, the decision underscores the company's influence on education.

Guided Learning and context

The announcement coincided with the launch in schools of Guided Learning — a tool introduced earlier this year that works as an AI tutor: it is meant to help students deeply understand material rather than simply hand out ready-made answers. The launch comes amid concerns that AI chatbots undermine the learning process by giving direct answers instead of independent work. Google promised to share details with schools in the coming months so administrators have time to prepare for the transition.