Google to turn off AI tools and Search by default for K–12 student accounts

Google has announced that Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Google Search will be switched off by default for K–12 student accounts, with school administrators required to enable access. The changes were outlined in Google’s 3 November announcement on its education services.

Google logo. Artwork: EdEvents.

The controls will be introduced worldwide, beginning in the United States. Google told AFP it had not yet set a date, and its announcement says schools will receive further details in the coming months before the changes take effect.

Schools will not be able to retain Google Search while turning off its built-in AI features. CNA’s report explains that Search and AI are integrated, meaning schools that choose to keep Search available will also be enabling those features.

The announcement also expands Guided Learning, which uses questions and step-by-step prompts to help students work through schoolwork. Google says the feature became globally available in Classroom on 3 November, while a Search pilot will begin in selected US schools later in November.