What changed
Google has clarified its new AI policy for K–12 schools, explaining that institutions can choose to disable AI tools while still allowing search access. The company stated that schools using Google apps will need to opt into its AI products, with search being part of its AI portfolio. Schools can now decide whether to enable AI features, including search, based on their internal policies.
What this means in practice
Under the new policy, schools can block the Gemini app while keeping search active for students. If they choose to opt into AI features, they can select between standard AI tools or the new Guided Learning version, which is designed to provide fewer direct answers. Google clarified that it will not turn off search for schools that reject AI, but instead let them make the decision themselves. The company also noted that schools can choose to disable all AI features if they prefer an AI-free environment.
Limitations and availability
The policy does not allow schools to use web search without AI tools. Google maintains that AI is the future of search and refuses to create a toggle to disable AI features entirely. While other search engines offer options to turn off AI tools, Google’s approach is more restrictive. The company has not made any changes to the policy it announced this week, and the clarification does not alter the situation for educators who want to allow students to search the Internet without AI tools. Google still has the most expansive index of the Internet, leaving alternatives with numerous gaps.
