Schools that turn off Google's AI will lose search too starting in 2027 | AI Archive

Schools that turn off Google's AI will lose search too starting in 2027

decoder · 2026-11-04T10:06:23+00:00

Starting in early 2027, Google will require schools to accept its AI features or lose access to Google Search entirely. The company plans to disable Gemini, Gemini Notebook, and Google Search by default for student accounts, though individual services can be enabled separately. According to Google's vice president for education, Chris Phillips, search and AI have become too integrated to separate effectively. Schools opting to enable search will choose between full AI overviews with chat or a "Guided Learning" mode that guides students toward answers rather than providing them directly. This ultimatum follows recent backlash against Google enabling AI features by default in its Classroom platform. Education experts criticize the move as an example of the tech industry imposing AI on users regardless of their preferences. Major districts like New York City and Los Angeles had previously attempted to limit AI use while retaining standard search capabilities, but Google is refusing these requests.