Google announced it will disable AI tools in its K-12 software early next year unless school administrators choose to opt in, and districts that fully restrict AI will also lose student access to Google search.
\n\nThe New York Times reports that the change affects Google’s education suite, including Gmail, Docs, Classroom, Chromebooks and Google Search. Chromebooks are the most widely used student devices in American schools, so the shift reaches much of the country’s public education system.
\n\nChris Phillips, Google’s vice president for education, said the two products can’t be separated. “Search and AI are deeply integrated,” he said. Students at schools that have banned AI “will not have access to search, and they’ll see a message from their school that indicates it’s not available,” he said.
\n\nAfter the announcement caused an uproar, Google attempted to redefine its position with a post on X, which was promptly targeted with a community note pointing out Phillips’ comments:
\n\nStarting in early 2027, districts that do allow AI can choose between two search setups for school-issued accounts. One mirrors the consumer version of Google Search, with AI overviews and AI chat turned on. The other relies on Guided Learning, a feature inside Google’s…
Original source: https://www.breitbart.com/tech/
