Google to Restrict AI and Search Access for K-12 Students in Schools Opting Out of AI Tools

Google announced a policy change that will disable its AI tools by default for K-12 student accounts in schools using its education software. Crucially, Google Search will also be switched off for these accounts, potentially leaving students without access to the company's search engine if schools decline to enable AI. This move reverses an earlier decision to automatically activate the Gemini chatbot for many students and has drawn criticism from teacher unions and child advocates.