Google is facing criticism over how its AI tools and Search are managed for schools that use its education products.
The policy
According to Google, for schools that reject its AI tools, Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Search are switched off by default. Google says schools can turn any of them back on.
Google education vice president Chris Phillips defended the approach, saying Search and AI are now "deeply integrated."
The criticism
The policy drew criticism from public figures including US Senator Bernie Sanders, Zohran Mamdani and former FTC chair Lina Khan. Critics argue that tying basic Search access to AI settings puts pressure on schools that want to limit AI in classrooms.
Why it matters
Schools around the world are deciding how much generative AI students should use, and many want to keep traditional web search while restricting AI chat tools. As AI features become built into search itself, separating the two becomes harder — for technology companies and for the schools that rely on them.
What schools can do
According to Google, administrators can re-enable Search and the other tools individually in their settings. Schools using Google's education products should review their AI and Search settings to make sure they match their own policies.
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