Gemini App Moving to Core Services for Google Workspace for Education Standard and Plus: What You Need to Know

In Q4 2024, Google Workspace for Education will transition the Gemini app (gemini.google.com) from an Additional Service to a Core Service for Education Standard and Plus users. This article outlines key details, the impact of this change, and considerations for administrators and educational institutions. 

Bookmark this article for updates as the transition progresses from October 15, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

This article covers the key details for the change.

Service Transition Timeline

October 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
The Gemini app will move from an Additional Service to a Core Service for Education Standard and Plus editions during this period. 

Education Fundamentals: Gemini will remain an Additional Service for Education Fundamentals users.

Impact on Core and Additional Service Policies

  • Core Service for Standard/Plus: Once Gemini becomes a core service, it will be ON by default for users with a Standard/Plus license assigned to their account, following the same data protections and policies as other core services. This means:
    • No ads will be served.
    • Data will not be sold to third parties.
    • The same level of technical support and service-level agreements (SLAs) as other core services will apply.
  • Parental Consent for Core Services: Parental consent is not required for core services, though many schools continue to collect consent for all Google Workspace services as part of their policies.
  • Additional Service for Fundamentals: Gemini will remain an Additional Service for users of Education Fundamentals, and parental consent is required for users under 18.

Important Caveats and Considerations

  • Age Restrictions: The Gemini App (gemini.google.com) is now available to users 13+. This is launching as an Additional Service for all education customers. You must go to Generative AI > Gemini app > Service status and turn this OFF for OUs containing users under 13.
  • Standard/Plus License Requirements: In Standard/Plus domains, users who do not have an assigned Standard/Plus license will have the Gemini app treated as an Additional Service. Parental consent is required for these users under 18. Admins can opt to restrict Gemini usage by users without a Standard/Plus license. Meaning, if the Allow all users to access the Gemini app checkbox is unchecked, only users with a Standard/Plus license can access Gemini. 

Questions and Concerns We Are Raising with Google

This transition presents several important questions for educational institutions. We are working with Google for guidance on these questions as Gemini transitions to a Core service:

  1. Additional Data in the Investigation Tool: Will administrators gain more access to Gemini app data in the Investigation Tool, such as logs and usage for free users or users in unlicensed domains?
  2. Audit Logs and Reporting: Will more detailed Gemini activity logs or reports be available, particularly for schools using BigQuery or data loss prevention (DLP) tools?

Next Steps and Actions for Schools

  • Review Parental Consent Policies: Schools should ensure their policies are up to date for Additional Services, particularly in Education Fundamentals, where parental consent is required for the Gemini app.
  • Prepare for the Transition: For schools using Education Standard and Plus, if the All users to access the Gemini app checkbox is unchecked, only users with a Standard/Plus license can access Gemini. If users lose access during transition, check this setting. 
  • Stay Informed: Check back here regularly for the latest updates on how this transition will impact your institution’s use of the Gemini app.

Additional Notes

  • Same Data Protections Apply: Like other core services, Gemini will follow Google Workspace’s strict data protection policies: no ads, no selling of data to third parties, and strong privacy controls.
  • Same Technical Support Applies: As a core service, Gemini will have the same technical support structure as other core services within Google Workspace.

Resources

New core services coming to Google Workspace for Education
Google Workspace for Education Core and Additional services
Google Workspace for Education Additional Services & Parental Consent - Video
Communicating with Parents and Guardians about Google Workspace for Education

You can ensure a smooth transition to Gemini as a core service within your domain by staying proactive and informed.

Document Version Date Description of Change
1.0 2/5/2025 Unpromoted

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