# DuckDuckGo Pitches Schools on Search After Google AI Policy Backlash By Simon Yoon Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/49476 Published: 2026-11-05T18:14:16.000Z Updated: 2026-11-05T18:14:16.000Z Section: Technology > Gabriel Weinberg shared instructions for making DuckDuckGo a school’s default search engine. Its search and browser settings also let users turn off AI features. Search provider DuckDuckGo is courting schools seeking more say over classroom AI, after Google’s education settings drew criticism over the connection between Search and its other AI features. On Nov. 3, DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg shared instructions for making the company’s search engine a school’s default and offered to help educators set it up. Chief public affairs officer Kamyl Bazbaz criticized Google’s approach in an X post: “Forcing AI on school children: how a monopolist behaves when they think people are powerless. Prove Google wrong.” Google said its new education controls respond to K-12 schools’ requests for more choice. Gemini, Gemini Notebook and Search would each start turned off, with schools able to enable them separately. In a separate access condition, schools that turn off Google’s other AI features would also lose Search. That restriction is described in [Google’s school AI rules](). Search also includes AI Overview and AI Mode, which use AI to answer queries. DuckDuckGo argued that Google could disable Search’s AI features without cutting off Search itself. Google defended its approach as a response to feedback from schools. It has also developed Guided Learning, designed to lead students through problem-solving steps rather than simply provide answers, while educators continue to ask for ways to remove AI from the learning process. DuckDuckGo also offers AI products, including the Duck.ai chat interface and an AI search assistant. Users can disable AI features in the company’s search and browser settings. Its noai.duckduckgo.com site turns off AI-assisted answers, AI-generated images and suggestions for AI features. The company’s search business also focuses on limiting data collection. Schools use about 50 million Chromebooks, and Google Classroom has more than 150 million users globally. DuckDuckGo app installs rose 30% earlier this year amid resistance to Google’s AI-heavy Search experience. ## Links in this article - [Google’s school AI rules](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/48038)