Google Clarifies K-12 School AI Policy: Search Integrated into AI Portfolio, Requires Explicit Opt-In

Google has clarified its AI policy for K-12 schools, stating that it has not cut off schools' access to Search, but has instead bundled Search into its AI product portfolio and requires schools to actively opt in. Addressing prior reports alleging that schools rejecting AI tools like Gemini would lose access to Search, Google explained that the new policy allows schools to decide, in accordance with their own AI guidelines, whether to enable the suite—encompassing Gemini, Gemini in Classroom, and Search—for student accounts.