Google says schools can turn on student access to Search without turning on Gemini, but they cannot remove built-in AI features such as AI Overviews.
This follows backlash against a plan that would have left both Search and AI tools off by default. The policy applies to K–12 student accounts. Administrators must choose whether to turn on Google Search, Gemini, Gemini Notebook, and Gemini in Classroom.
The initial announcement prompted criticism from educators and advocates. Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani accused Google of pressuring schools to adopt AI. Google said schools could turn on Search separately from its other services.
This softened what had seemed to be an all-or-nothing choice. This separation does not let schools bring back a version of Search without AI. AI Overviews and AI Mode remain part of Search.
Google says it is adapting those features to guide students through problems instead of simply providing answers. Its broader “Guided Learning” effort aims to support this approach. For school administrators, this difference matters.
They can keep standalone Gemini products off while allowing Search. But they cannot remove AI from Search itself. Google says it will share more details as the changes roll out.