The debate over whether AI belongs in schools is heating up, and Google says it’s giving schools more control over the tech. But there’s a pretty big catch.

Google announced Tuesday that it’s changing how schools manage access to its AI products, including Gemini, Gemini Notebook, Gemini in Classroom, and Google Search.

Under the new policy, these products will be turned off by default for K-12 student accounts unless school administrators enable them.

But that means schools that want to block Google’s AI features entirely will lose access to its search engine.

“We believe schools should have control over AI in their classrooms and in providing administrators with controls to help them manage their approach,” Google Vice President and General Manager of Education Chris Phillips wrote in a blog post. “Our goal is simple: provide school leaders the control and confidence to use AI products in classrooms as they see fit.”

Phillips said Google will share more details with schools in the coming months before the changes roll out.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns about AI in classrooms and its potential impact on students.

Some studies have already found that using AI tools like ChatGPT could lead to worse test scores and impact students’ ability to learn and think critically.

Google has also faced scrutiny from lawmakers over its push to bring AI into schools.

Last month, Sens. ) sent a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai requesting more information about the company’s promotion of AI tools in schools and any research it has conducted on potential harms to children.

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