Google has announced plans to disable its artificial intelligence (AI) features by default for schoolchildren, following growing criticism over the introduction of AI tools in classrooms without sufficient consultation with educators and school administrators. The changes will give schools greater control over whether students can access Google’s AI-powered services, as concerns continue to emerge over the impact of artificial intelligence on learning, academic performance and students’ ability to complete schoolwork independently.
Google is widely used in American schools, with millions of students relying on its education services, including Gmail, Google Docs and Google Classroom. Its affordable Chromebook laptops are also among the most commonly issued devices in US learning institutions.
Google to Restrict Gemini and AI-Powered Search for Students
In a blog post published on Tuesday, Google announced that several AI-powered services, including Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and AI features in Google Search, will be switched off by default for K-12 student accounts. The restrictions will remain in place until school administrators decide to activate the services for their students.
Google told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that the new controls would eventually be introduced worldwide, beginning in the United States, although the company had not provided a specific rollout date. However, the changes have also raised concerns about access to ordinary Google Search, given the growing integration of artificial intelligence into the search engine.
Google Vice President for Education Chris Phillips told The New York Times that the company’s search engine and AI technologies are now closely connected. He explained that schools choosing to block AI features could also restrict students from accessing Google Search, with affected learners receiving a notification explaining that the service is unavailable under their school’s settings.
New York Mayor Criticises Google’s AI Policy
The announcement has attracted criticism from political leaders, with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani accusing Google of using its dominant position in the education technology market to introduce AI into public schools. In a post on X, Mamdani argued that technology companies should not have the authority to determine how children are taught.
He further questioned Google’s influence over public education, insisting that decisions about classroom technology should remain in the hands of schools and educators. The debate comes amid growing concerns about the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in education and whether students are being given adequate guidance on how to use the technology responsibly.
More Than 150 Million Students Use Google Classroom
The scale of Google’s influence in education has also drawn attention from lawmakers. More than 150 million students worldwide use Google Classroom, according to a letter sent to the company last month by US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Josh Hawley.
The lawmakers questioned Google’s decision to make AI features available by default on school devices and sought clarification on the safeguards protecting students. In August, Google expanded access to its Gemini chatbot within Google Classroom, making the feature available to students across different age groups.
The tool provides learners with suggested prompts based on their classroom subjects and assignments, alongside study guides, practice quizzes and flashcards generated from their learning materials. However, the feature was automatically activated for students in schools that had already enabled Gemini, raising questions about whether learners and parents had sufficient control over its use.
New York and Los Angeles Move to Restrict AI in Schools
The announcement follows earlier efforts by major American school districts to limit students’ access to artificial intelligence tools. In September, New York and Los Angeles announced plans to restrict the use of AI services on school devices. The Los Angeles Unified School District said it was reviewing Google’s latest announcement and assessing its possible implications for students, teachers and administrators.
A district spokesperson told AFP that artificial intelligence could improve teaching and learning if introduced responsibly and supported by appropriate safeguards. The district also emphasised that technology should complement teachers rather than replace them, while ensuring that students’ personal information remains protected.
Meanwhile, New York City Public Schools said it was seeking further clarification from Google regarding the new policy. The district noted that Gemini and AI Mode were already disabled on student Chromebooks in New York City. It had also requested that Google remove AI Overviews from search results displayed to students.
Google Says New Changes Give Schools More Control
Despite the criticism, Google has defended its decision, arguing that the new restrictions are intended to give educational institutions greater authority over how AI is introduced in classrooms. In a statement shared on X, the company said the changes would provide schools with more choices rather than limiting their options.
Google also acknowledged concerns that students could misuse artificial intelligence to avoid completing assignments independently. The company said schools had expressed a desire for greater control over the technology, prompting the decision to make AI tools optional rather than automatically available.
The changes mark another development in the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence in education, as schools, parents and technology companies continue to navigate the benefits and risks of introducing AI into children’s learning environments.
