Google links search functionality to AI tools in K-12 school accounts

Google announced a policy shift for K-12 educational accounts, requiring administrators to enable AI features if they wish to maintain access to Google Search. Under the new configuration, core services including Gemini and classroom AI tools are bundled with Search functionality, meaning schools cannot opt out of AI while retaining the standard search engine.

Chris Phillips, Google's vice president of education, stated that the company views search and artificial intelligence as integrated technologies. Consequently, if a school administrator decides against activating the AI suite, the search engine will be rendered inaccessible for student accounts by default.

This move marks a shift in how educational institutions interact with Google’s ecosystem. By grouping these services, Google is effectively forcing school districts to either adopt its generative AI infrastructure or lose one of the most widely used tools in digital education. The update applies to the broader portfolio of Gemini services, including Gemini Notebook and Gemini in Classroom.