Google clarifies K–12 AI policy: Gemini can be declined, but search must be enabled separately

Google responds to backlash from educators and parents, clarifying how its new K–12 AI policy actually works. Schools using Google apps must now actively opt in to enable their AI features; they can decide independently whether to use tools like Gemini. However, searching via student accounts also requires a separate activation, meaning it is not the mandatory shutdown of search previously reported.