Google announced Tuesday morning that it would switch off AI products by default for students in schools that use the technology giant’s education software. But those schools that forgo its AI services would also be cut off from Google Search.

The move comes after mounting criticism from advocacy groups and senators about the spread of Google’s AI services available in classrooms. Until Tuesday, its AI products — branded under the Gemini moniker — were automatically activated for schools using Google Classroom.

Google said Tuesday’s move would also cut off students’ access to Google Search if schools do not enable Gemini, given AI’s growing integration into the company’s search products.

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[–] 22 points 4 days ago (3 children)
  • [–] 1 point 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (2 children)

    Kind of a tangent, but why am I being served ads for DuckDuckGos privacy focused AI? Where is the ad money coming from, how are they making money on this service enough to warrant an ad budget without stealing my data? Seems fishy.

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  • [–] 1 point 3 days ago (1 child)

    If I recall correctly, and I might not so feel free to correct me, they basically sell ads at a discount relative to data miners like Google. They can't target as well, so they don't get to collect that premium, but they can still sell ads targeted at your search keywords.

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  • [–] 1 point 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

    I did a little more research since this comment and they also have paid tiers... But I am still skeptical if 10/20 bucks a month by whoever feels like paying actually covers costs and the advertising budget. Your ad thing makes it seem a little less sketchy.

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