Google Search to Implement AI in Schools by 2027

Starting in early 2027, Google will no longer offer a school version of its search engine without AI components. Schools will need to enable AI to maintain access to Google Search, with two modes available. This decision comes as major U.S. school districts seek to curb the use of these tools by students.

New York and Los Angeles Limit AI, Google Excludes Non-AI Search

In September, New York City and Los Angeles, the two largest school districts in the U.S., decided to reduce student use of AI. Los Angeles wanted to maintain access to Google Search without AI previews, an option that Google will not allow. This stance comes in a school market where Google is heavily present through Chromebooks, Gmail, and Classroom. Education professor Morgan Polikoff views this direction as emblematic of an industry that imposes AI on users.

Starting in 2027, Access to Search Conditional on AI with Two Modes Available

Beginning in early 2027, schools will have to accept AI to retain access to Google Search. By default, Gemini, Gemini Notebook, and Google Search will be disabled for student accounts, but each feature can be activated separately. No version of the search without AI is planned: schools that enable Search will choose between a search with AI previews and AI chat, or a Guided Learning mode designed to direct students toward answers without providing them directly. Chris Phillips, Google’s Vice President for Education, states that search and AI are too intertwined to be separated.

Classroom: Default Activation Criticized and Beginning of Rollback

Google recently enabled AI features by default in Classroom for schools with Gemini. This move has sparked negative reactions. The company has begun to roll back this default activation.