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Google to Turn Off AI Features for School Students by Default; Critics Say Google Search Without AI Can't Be Chosen

AINovember 4, 20262 min read

Google says AI features for school student accounts will be turned off by default, and school admins must turn them on. Critics say schools cannot turn off AI in Google Search alone, so blocking AI also blocks Search.

What happened

On November 3, 2026 (US time), Google said that for student accounts at K-12 schools (kindergarten through high school), Gemini and Google Search will be off unless a school admin turns them on. This lets schools control how students use AI. However, schools cannot turn off only the AI parts of Search. If a school bans AI, students also lose access to Search. Google also added a feature that helps students learn step by step instead of giving direct answers.

Key facts

Covered tools: Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search.
Start date: Google has not given an official date. The New York Times reports early 2027.
Guided Learning in Search: a test starts in some US schools in November, and will expand over the next few months.
Guided Learning in Google Classroom: available worldwide from November 3.

Background

Some US schools have already limited student use of generative AI. New York City and Los Angeles public schools are doing this this school year. In New York City, the mayor has said the city will ban generative AI use in public schools for one year. Schools that want to block AI now face a hard choice: allow Search with its AI features, or block Search entirely.

Why it matters

This story shows a tough trade-off for schools. Search is a basic tool for learning, but its AI features are built deeply into it. Critics, including New York City's mayor, say one company should not have this much power over what children learn. Google says the change gives schools more choice. Either way, school leaders will need to decide how much AI their students should use.

What to watch

Google's detailed school guidance, expected in the coming months.
Whether Google lets schools turn off AI in Search on its own in the future.
How Guided Learning works in real classes and whether it helps students think for themselves.
Whether more cities or countries limit AI in schools.

Glossary

Gemini: Google's generative AI tool that can answer questions and create text.
Google Classroom: Google's online tool that lets teachers give and track assignments.
Guided Learning: A Google feature that gives step-by-step hints and questions instead of direct answers.
K-12: The school years from kindergarten through high school in the United States.

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