In April 2025, Google Workspace for Education transitioned the Gemini App (gemini.google.com) and NotebookLM (notebooklm.google.com) to Core Services for all editions of Workspace for Education. Previously, NotebookLM was an Additional Service for all additions of Workspace for Education, and the Gemini App was a Core Service only for users with Workspace for Education Standard or Plus licenses on their accounts. This change makes managing these apps a much simpler task and makes access and data privacy a much more uniform experience across all Education organizations. This article outlines key details, the impact of this change, and considerations for administrators and educational institutions.
Impact
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Access: Gemini App and NotebookLM will be:
- OFF by default for new K12 customers
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ON by default for new Higher Education customers.
This change will not affect any settings for existing customers.
- Core Service for Education users: As Core Services for Education users, Gemini App and NotebookLM follow the same data protection and policies as other core services outlined in the Generative AI in Google Workspace Privacy Hub.
- 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.
Important Caveats and Considerations
- Age Restrictions for Gemini: The Gemini App (gemini.google.com) is now available to users 13+. Admins must go to Generative AI > Gemini app > Service status and turn this OFF for OUs containing users under 13.
- Age Restrictions for NotebookLM: Age Restrictions for NotebookLM: NotebookLM (notebooklm.google.com) is available to users 18+. Admins should go to Generative AI > NotebookLM > Service status and turn this OFF for OUs containing users under 18.
- Age-Based Access: For users under 18, to ensure the Gemini App functions with the teen user experience, Admins must go to Account > Account settings > Age based access settings and identify which OUs contain users under the age of 18. This setting will impact access to other apps and services for users under 18. Learn about age-based access settings
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:
- 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?
- 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?
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 (FERPA, COPPA, HIPAA, SOC1/2/3 compliance)
- Same Technical Support Applies: As core services, Gemini App and NotebookLM will have the same technical support structure as other core services within Google Workspace for Education.
Resources
The Gemini app will offer enterprise-grade data protection for all Google Workspace for Education institutions.
NotebookLM and the Gemini app are now Core Services with enterprise-grade data protection for all education customers.
Generative AI in Google Workspace Privacy Hub
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
How Google is working to keep students safe in the AI age
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