Google to shut off search for schools that opt out of AI

Google announced on Tuesday that it will switch off its AI products, branded as Gemini, by default for students in schools using its education software. Schools that choose not to enable Gemini will also lose access to Google Search, as AI is increasingly integrated into search. Chris Phillips, Google's VP and GM of education, stated that access to Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search will be entirely off for K-12 student accounts until school administrators explicitly turn them on. The move follows criticism from advocacy groups and senators about the spread of AI in classrooms. Critics, including Randi Weingarten of the American Federation of Teachers and Josh Golin of Fairplay, condemned the decision as strong-arming schools and prioritizing business interests over education. Google has a dominant role in education technology, with most Chromebooks and nearly two-thirds of assignments using its products. Research on AI in education has not established long-term benefits. For schools that enable AI, Google will detect when students try to use it just to get answers and will provide a redesigned Search that guides students through concepts without directly giving answers.

(Source：NBC News)