# Google says schools can keep Search, but cannot disable Search AI separately

- Published: 2026-11-04T20:06:21.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-05T22:01:45.139Z
- Section: AI in practice
- Topics: Society
- Page: https://aidailyjournal.com/en/n/2026/11/04/google-won-t-let-schools-disable-ai-overviews-without-blocking-search/
- Sources: [Wired](https://wired.com/story/google-is-forcing-ai-overviews-in-classrooms-schools-are-searching-for-a-way-out), [g1](https://g1.globo.com/educacao/noticia/2026/11/04/google-uso-de-ia-acesso-a-buscador.ghtml), [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/11/google-schools-can-keep-search-while-skipping-gemini-but-ai-search-is-non-negotiable)

## Summary

Starting next year, schools will be able to enable Google Search, Gemini, and Gemini Notebook separately, with all three off by default on student accounts. Google says administrators can keep Search while disabling the Gemini apps, but AI Overviews and AI Mode will remain tied to Search; removing those features will require disabling Search for students.

The decision has drawn criticism from parents and educators, who fear that ready-made answers will reduce practice in evaluating sources, solving problems, and forming independent conclusions. Google says it is making Search more suitable for learning, including step-by-step guidance instead of direct answers. According to g1, the company says 150 million students and teachers use Google Classroom worldwide.

## Why it matters (editorial interpretation)

The decision leaves schools choosing between keeping Search while accepting integrated AI features or disabling both for students. Criticism from parents and educators also highlights how the tool’s design could affect learning practices involving source evaluation and forming independent conclusions.

_Summary written by AI Daily Journal in its own words, based on the sources above. For details, read the original articles._