Google is changing how its search and artificial intelligence (AI) tools work in schools, giving administrators a choice over whether students can use AI features. But the decision comes with a condition: schools that choose to block AI entirely will also lose access to Google Search.

The change is expected to take effect in early 2027 and applies to K-12 students. Google says the move is aimed at giving schools and parents more control over how children use AI, according to The New York Times.

The decision has raised questions about the choices available to schools that want to restrict AI while continuing to use Google Search.

Google announced that schools will have to decide whether to allow AI features within their education accounts. Administrators who choose to restrict AI completely will also have to give up access to Google Search.

Chris Phillips, Google's vice president for education, said search and AI are now closely connected within the company's services. He explained that students at schools that block AI will see a message from their school indicating that search is unavailable.

The decision is significant because Google has a major presence in schools across the United States. Its education services, including Gmail, Docs and Classroom, are widely used, while Chromebooks remain among the most commonly issued student devices.

This gives Google considerable influence over the digital tools available to students. Critics argue that linking search access to AI adoption could put schools under pressure to allow AI features even if they would prefer to restrict them.

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