Google disables AI tools for schoolchildren by default

Google has announced plans to switch off its artificial intelligence tools by default for schoolchildren, after criticism over introducing AI features to students while schools are still debating how to use the technology, Punch reports.

Under changes announced on Tuesday, Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and AI features in Google Search will be disabled for K-12 student accounts until school administrators activate them. Google told AFP the rollout would begin in the United States, with no date set.

Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president for education, told The New York Times that “Search and A.I. are deeply integrated.” If a school bans AI, students “will not have access to search, and they’ll see a message from their school that indicates it’s not available,” he said.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani accused the company on X of “trying to use its monopoly power to force AI into our public schools.” Google said the changes give “schools more choice, not less.”