Google Backs Down on School Gemini Policy but Refuses to Remove AI From Search

Google has clarified that schools can disable Gemini and other standalone AI services without losing access to Google Search. However, schools still won’t have the option to disable AI features built directly into Search.

The clarification follows criticism of Google’s earlier school AI policy announcement, which suggested that schools rejecting AI services could also lose access to Google Search.

Google clarifies its school AI policy after backlash

Google initially indicated that schools would have to accept its AI services to continue using Google Search.

Chris Phillips, Google’s Vice President of Education, explained that AI and Search were deeply integrated, suggesting that schools could not separate the services.

The announcement drew criticism from politicians and educators.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani accused Google of using its dominance in search to push AI into schools. Senator Bernie Sanders called the approach extortion, while former FTC chair Lina Khan also criticized the policy.

Following the backlash, Google clarified on X that school administrators can independently control access to Google Search, Gemini, and Gemini Notebook.

Starting in 2027, all three services will be disabled by default for K-12 student accounts. Administrators will be able to enable each service separately.

This means schools can block standalone Gemini services while continuing to provide students with Google Search.

Google won’t let schools disable AI Overviews or AI Mode

Despite the clarification, Google has not introduced controls to disable AI Overviews or AI Mode within Search.

Schools that enable Google Search will still have access to its integrated AI features, even if administrators disable Gemini and other standalone AI services.

Instead of offering an opt-out, Google plans to adapt these features for educational use.

The company wants its AI tools to guide students through problems and schoolwork rather than immediately providing answers.

Google is also expanding its Guided Learning capabilities. Guided Learning in Google Classroom is already available globally, while a pilot program for Guided Learning in Google Search will begin in selected US schools in November 2026.

Google keeps AI integrated into Search

Google’s clarification gives schools more control over standalone AI services without forcing them to sacrifice Search access.

However, the company has not changed its policy on AI Overviews and AI Mode. Schools that want to use Google Search still can’t turn off these built-in AI features.

In other news, Google expanded AI Mode ads to 10 additional countries and introduced follow-up ads. Meanwhile, Google AI Plus users will lose access to Gemini Pro models on November 13, with continued access requiring a more expensive subscription.

Via Neowin