Google to Disable AI Tools by Default for School Students From 2027

Google will make AI tools opt-in for school students from 2027, but Google Search will retain some built-in AI features.

The company has revised its education product policies, requiring school administrators to explicitly enable access to artificial intelligence services. The changes will affect Google Search, Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Gemini in Classroom for K-12 student accounts.

What Is Changing in Google’s Education Policy?

Beginning in early 2027, Google’s AI products will be disabled by default for school students. Administrators must actively enable access before students can use these services. Chris Phillips, Google’s Vice President and General Manager of Education, announced the revised controls in a company blog post.

The policy applies to K-12 education, covering students from kindergarten through the final year of high school in the United States and Canada.

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Can Students Use Google Search Without AI?

Google initially indicated that students would lose access to Search unless administrators enabled AI features, prompting criticism online. The company subsequently clarified that schools could activate Google Search without enabling additional Gemini products.

However, Search will continue to include integrated AI capabilities, including AI-generated summaries. Google explained that artificial intelligence has become increasingly embedded in its search service. Consequently, schools can restrict access to separate Gemini applications but cannot completely remove AI functionality from Google Search.

Why Has Google Revised Its Approach?

The changes follow concerns about students using generative AI to complete school assignments. Google had previously introduced Gemini into its Classroom platform, allowing student access unless school districts disabled the service. Thirteen parent advocacy organisations, including the Digital Childhood Institute and Schools Beyond Screens, subsequently urged American school districts to disable Gemini and YouTube.

Phillips said the revised policy would give schools greater control over artificial intelligence in classrooms and allow administrators to determine which services students could access.

What Other Learning Features Are Being Introduced?

Google has also outlined educational features intended to support learning rather than simply provide answers. The company said its updated AI Mode and AI Overviews could offer step-by-step explanations to help students understand academic concepts.

Its Guided Learning system is designed to recognise homework-related requests and explain underlying concepts instead of immediately supplying answers. A Google Search pilot will begin in selected American schools, while Guided Learning is available globally through Classroom. Google also said its education version includes stronger restrictions than consumer products and allows teachers to review conversation transcripts.

The revised arrangements place decisions about enabling separate AI products with school administrators, while retaining artificial intelligence within Google’s core search experience.