# Schools Reassess Search and AI Tools

Google is making Gemini, Gemini Notebook, and Search opt-in for K–12 school administrators, while schools that decline its AI tools will also lose access to Google Search. DuckDuckGo is marketing its configurable search and AI settings to schools as an alternative. No solicitation, buyer, contract value, or procurement timetable is identified, but the change could prompt districts to reassess search access, student privacy safeguards, and their approach to AI tools. New York City and Los Angeles have temporary generative-AI bans in elementary and middle schools.

- District procurement teams can assess whether their current Google education services meet local AI policies and whether declining AI features would disrupt required search access.
- Search, education technology, and AI providers may find an opportunity to demonstrate configurable controls, student privacy protections, and continuity of search services to school systems.
- New York City and Los Angeles school systems may need to evaluate alternatives in light of their temporary generative-AI bans; the signals do not identify a procurement process or deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education, Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** November 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- New York City school system
- Los Angeles school system

### Vendors
- Google (incumbent education and search provider)
- DuckDuckGo (prospective search provider to schools)

### Key Quotes
> Because AI isn’t safe for kids and undermines education and critical thinking, schools should turn off Google’s AI tools the minute that option becomes available
> — Josh Golin, Executive Director of Fairplay

### Sources
- [DuckDuckGo pitches itself to schools amid backlash over Google's AI policy | TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/04/duckduckgo-pitches-itself-to-schools-amid-backlash-over-googles-ai-policy) - TechCrunch
- [Students won't be allowed to use Google unless their schools embrace AI](https://www.wtok.com/2026/11/05/google-says-it-will-cut-off-search-engine-access-students-schools-that-reject-ai) - WTOK