Google is tying access to Search in schools to the availability of its AI features, while offering schools a choice between standard Gemini-based AI and a “Guided Learning” mode. The company says students at schools that do not enable AI will lose access to Search, a policy that could push schools toward adopting Google’s AI tools or switching to alternatives.
Google links Search access to AI availability
In a statement to the New York Times, Chris Phillips, Google’s vice president of education, reiterated the company’s approach to web search.
“Search and AI are deeply integrated,” Phillips said. He added that if schools choose not to enable AI, students “will no longer have access to search and will see a message from their school stating that search is unavailable.”
Two AI options for schools
Google could create a version of Search for schools that do not use its AI tools, but it has not done so. Instead, the company is creating two versions of AI in Search. When schools enable AI for student accounts, they can choose between standard Gemini-based AI and the new “Guided Learning” version.
Guided Learning is available in both Classroom and Search. It is intended to provide one-on-one tutoring and support without simply giving students all the answers. Google notes, however, that all of its generative AI products can make “mistakes,” meaning students may still find it difficult to prevent chatbots from doing their homework for them.
Potential impact on schools
Google is betting that schools will embrace its AI tools because they do not want to give up Google Search. That approach would expose students to AI early and often, potentially changing how they interact with technology.
Schools that object to Google’s policy could choose alternatives such as DuckDuckGo, which allows administrators to disable AI features. Whether Google’s new Guided Learning option will ease those concerns remains uncertain.
Source: arstechnica.com
