Google clarifies school AI policy: Gemini optional, AI search not

What schools can actually choose

Early reporting suggested Google would "turn off search" for schools that reject AI. The reality is more nuanced. Google says it will let schools decide based on their own AI policies. A school can turn off Gemini and leave search on. A school that wants no AI at all can leave everything off, including search for student accounts. A Google spokesperson said the company has made no changes to the policy announced this week.

If a school opts into search, it must pick either the standard AI features or the new Guided Learning version, which Google says will not hand out answers as readily.

The missing option

Blocking the Gemini app does not remove AI Overviews and AI Mode from search, which offer many of the same shortcuts. The new approach to "responsible AI for learning" does not include search without AI. Other search engines let users disable AI tools, but Google has refused to create such a toggle, because it sees AI as the future of search. The workarounds users rely on may also stop working.

Switching providers is hard, since Google still has by far the largest index of the web and alternatives have gaps. That could change: after losing the DOJ's search antitrust case, Google must give competitors limited access to its index, which may help rivals build a more viable alternative.