Google turns off AI for schoolchildren by default

Google will turn off Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom and Search’s AI features by default for K-12 student accounts until school administrators enable them. The worldwide rollout will begin in the United States, though Google has not set a date, and schools will not be able to offer Search without its integrated AI features. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani accused Google of trying to force AI into public schools, while the company said the changes give schools more control. More than 150 million students use Google Classroom, and New York and Los Angeles announced plans in September to restrict AI access on school devices.