Google Says Schools Can Skip Gemini but Must Opt In to AI Search
Google: Schools can keep search while skipping Gemini, but AI search is non-negotiable
- Who
- What
- clarified its AI opt-in policy for K–12 schools using Google apps
- Quote
Google's approach may not be entirely altruistic, but it technically offers schools more choice and control than they have now.
What happened
Google says K–12 schools using its apps must opt in to its AI products for logged-in student accounts, including Search, which the company considers part of its AI portfolio. After The New York Times interpreted the policy as potentially turning off Search for schools that reject AI, Google clarified that schools can make the decision under their internal AI policies.
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See the full storyGoogle Clarifies AI Opt-In Policy for K–12 SchoolsThe story so far
Google says K–12 schools using its apps must opt in to AI products for logged-in student accounts, including AI features in Search, but schools can decide under their own AI policies. The clarification followed a New York Times interpretation that schools rejecting AI might lose access to Search.
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