Screenshot from Google support chat, January 2025.
Chats between Google Workspace reps and the Search Engine Journal development team reveal that opting out of AI features isn’t straightforward.
The settings to turn off AI features like Gemini aren’t visible by default for business accounts.
Administrators must contact Google support to enable access to these settings. For enterprise customers, the settings are accessible directly within the Workspace admin console.
Competitive Push Against Microsoft
Google’s move to bundle AI features into its standard Workspace offerings mirrors Microsoft’s recent decision to integrate its Copilot Pro AI tools into the standard Microsoft 365 subscription.
Both companies aim to attract more users to their AI-powered productivity platforms while simplifying pricing structures.
Key Takeaways
For organizations using Google Workspace, here are the critical points to note:
AI Features Are Enabled by Default: Gemini and other AI tools will be active for most accounts unless explicitly disabled.
Opt-Out Process Is Complicated: Business account holders must contact Google support to access and change the AI feature settings. Enterprise accounts can manage these settings directly.
Pricing Uncertainty: It’s unclear whether the $2 price increase will still apply if you opt out of AI tools. Google has stated that further updates on this issue are forthcoming.
Businesses are advised to monitor their Workspace settings closely and contact Google support for clarification.