Google Makes Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Search Opt-In for Schools After Backlash

Google clarified on Nov 3 that Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Search will all be off by default for schools, with administrators able to turn each product on individually. The reversal follows backlash from Sen. Bernie Sanders and NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani over earlier reporting that schools banning AI would also lose student Search access. The company's VP for education publicly conceded 'Search and AI are deeply integrated,' underscoring the coupling at the heart of the fight.