Google Is Forcing Schools to Choose Between Its Search Engine and AI - CNET

A change with a condition

Google announced that school administrators must opt in before K-12 students can use its AI products. The company said the change follows feedback from schools, teachers, researchers and policymakers.

But schools that do not enable AI will not be able to use Google Search, according to the announcement. In August, Google had automatically enabled its AI products in Google Classroom; Tuesday’s policy reverses that approach.

In October, technology and child-safety organizations sent an open letter to 150 US school districts, asking them to disable Gemini on school devices. The groups concluded that “children are at risk of being harmed,” the letter said.

Guided Learning plans

For student accounts where Search is enabled, Gemini will include Guided Learning, an interactive study tool. It is designed to guide students through homework problems step by step rather than give direct answers.

Districts weigh implications

Google devices are common in US classrooms: a 2025 New York Times survey of the 20 largest districts found that about 80% of teachers said their districts provided Chromebooks. The computers start at $179.

Los Angeles Unified, the country’s second-largest district and also a Google client, is reviewing the announcement and its possible effects. A spokesperson said AI may support teaching and learning when introduced responsibly, with safeguards for privacy, security and equitable access.

Questions about search skills

Xu also questioned whether students still need to learn traditional online search. Her research found that searching with conventional engines involves distinct skills, including forming queries, assessing information and combining material from multiple sources. She said students could lose chances to practice those skills even with Guided Learning.