Google Links Student Search Access to Its AI Policy

Google plans to switch off its AI tools for K-12 students by default, unless school administrators opt in. But because AI is built into Search, districts that keep the tools disabled will lose student access to the search engine as well.

The change comes amid growing resistance to student use of generative AI. In September, New York City and Los Angeles, both Google clients, limited students’ access to the technology. New York State has also passed a law on chatbot safety for minors.

“Search and A.I. are deeply integrated,” Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president for education, said. Districts that permit AI will be able to choose between standard Google Search, which includes AI Overviews, and a tutoring-style search option powered by Guided Learning, a Gemini feature designed to guide students through topics step by step rather than simply provide answers.

Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan criticized the plan, saying Google is using its “search monopoly to coerce schools” into adopting its AI, according to The New York Times.