Google has announced that students in schools that ban AI tools will not have access to Search, highlighting the close tie between Google Search and the company's AI products. This move comes as schools consider restrictions on AI use, such as New York City's moratorium on generative AI in public schools.
Google plans to roll out updated controls in the coming months, allowing administrators to enable AI products individually, including Guided Learning tools that will also be added to Search in student accounts. The company had previously enabled AI features by default in Classroom in August, but now aims to provide more flexibility for schools to manage AI use.
As a result, schools that choose to block AI entirely will have to find alternative search solutions for their students. While the exact timeline for the rollout is unclear, Google's updated controls are expected to impact how students access information online.
Evidence lens
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