Education news
Google Policy Update: School Approval Mandatory for Students to Use Google Search and AI
· Source: Amar Ujala
Google has announced that school administration approval will now be required for K-12 students to access Google Search and its AI tools. If a school does not permit AI tools, students will also lose access to Google Search.
Google's New Policy for School Accounts
Google announced on Tuesday that school students will need permission from their school administration to use the company's search engine. Under the new policy, if a school does not permit AI tools for its students, those students will not be able to use Google Search either.
Who It Is For and Affected Products
This change applies to K-12 student accounts. Four major Google products will be turned off by default for these accounts until school administrations grant explicit approval:
- Gemini
- Gemini Notebook
- Gemini in Classroom
- Google Search
Reason Behind Linking Google Search with AI
Chris Philips, Vice President and General Manager of Google's education division, stated in a blog post and interview that Google Search is now deeply integrated with AI. Because of this integration, if a school completely restricts AI usage, students will not get access to Google Search. In such cases, students trying to search will see a message stating that the feature is unavailable.
Next Steps for Schools
School administrations will have the authority to decide whether to turn these AI tools and search services on or off based on their requirements and policies. Google stated that it will provide detailed information to schools in the coming months before rolling out the changes, allowing schools enough time to prepare.
Questions
Which student accounts will be affected by Google's new policy?
The policy applies to K-12 school-level student accounts.
Which Google products will remain turned off by default for students?
Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search will remain turned off by default.
Why will Google Search not work if a school disables AI tools?
Google Search is deeply integrated with AI, so restricting AI tools also disables access to Google Search.
What will students see if Google Search is turned off by their school?
Students will see a message from the school indicating that the feature is unavailable.
Written in English by Disha Stars from the Amar Ujala report (read the original in Hindi). Check dates and links on the official website before you act.
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