Google Clarifies AI Policy for Schools After Backlash

Google has responded to criticism surrounding its decision to change access to artificial intelligence tools for school students, clarifying that the move is intended to give educational institutions more control rather than restrict their choices.

The clarification comes after a report claimed that Google would turn off access to Gemini, Gemini Notebook and certain Search features for K-12 students starting next year. The announcement triggered criticism from several political leaders and public figures, who questioned the company’s approach to introducing AI into schools.

According to a report by a famous publication, Google’s vice president of education, Chris Phillips, said the company’s AI features are “deeply integrated” into Search, making it difficult to separate access to individual services.

The development prompted reactions from US politicians, including Bernie Sanders and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani criticised Google’s approach in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Google is trying to use its monopoly power to force AI into our public schools.”

Bernie Sanders also expressed concern, stating that “Google is threatening schools,” and describing the policy as “extortion.”

Following the backlash, Google took to X to explain the changes and address concerns about its intentions.

Google says schools will have the final say

In its clarification, Google said the updated policy would provide schools with greater flexibility in deciding how students use its AI services.

“We want to clarify what we announced today about our education services. Today’s announcements give schools more choice, not less,” Google wrote on X.

The company explained that Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Search will be switched off by default for K-12 student accounts. However, this does not mean schools will permanently lose access to these services.

Instead, administrators will be able to activate one, two or all three services individually, depending on their requirements and educational policies.

Google also said it is improving Search for purposes. Google also said it is improving Search for purposes. The updated AI Mode and AI Overviews will introduce step-, by-step guided learning experiences helping students understand how to solve problems than providing direct answers. The updated AI Mode and AI Overviews will introduce step by step guided learning experiences helping students understand how to solve problems than providing direct answers.

The company said it understood worries that students could use AI tools to finish assignments without learning the material. It added that the changes came after hearing from teachers and educators who wanted ways to manage how AI is used in classrooms.

Google explains its revised education approach

Google also published a blog post outlining its updated approach to AI access in educational institutions. “Schools should have control over AI in their classrooms and in providing administrators with controls to help them manage their approach”, the company said.

“After listening to schools, teachers, leading researchers, and policymakers, we are now updating our approach to controls for Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search. Access to these products will be entirely off for K-12 student accounts until school administrators explicitly turn them on,” it added.

Google said it would share further details with schools in the coming months, giving administrators sufficient time to prepare before the changes take effect.

The company reiterated that its objective is to help schools adopt AI responsibly while ensuring teachers, parents and administrators remain involved in decisions about classroom technology.