Google to Disable AI Tools by Default for K-12 Schools, Linking Search Access to AI Use

Google announced on November 3, 2026, a policy adjustment for K-12 schools worldwide, making AI tools like Gemini and NotebookLM off by default. School administrators will need to actively enable these tools. A significant aspect of this change is that schools opting to completely ban AI will also lose access to Google Search, as AI features are now deeply integrated into the search engine. This move presents a dilemma for educators who may want students to use Google Search without relying on AI overviews.