Google was once just a search engine. Two and half decades on, it has spread its tentacles far and wide with a strong presence in almost every field of online technology.
Today, it owns
- YouTube. The largest video platform in the world.
- Android. The most popular mobile operating system in the world.
- Chrome. The most popular and widely used browser in the world.
- Gmail. The most popular and extensively used email platform in the world.
- Google Hangouts. The most popular messaging platform in the world.
- Google Plus. Fast growing social network.
Its influence and reach in the online world is so powerful that it has to come shape how people access information and consume media. It controls a significant portion of the internet’s content in a manner that has come to shape how people form opinions. From search to advertising, and even new technologies, it is everywhere.
But what is not much known is it also holds growing influence in the world of education. Schools worldwide are increasingly adopting Google Tools and Services. Google today is deeply integrated, be it through Google Classroom, or Google Workspace for Education, or the popular ChromeBooks, into the modern learning environment.
It is critical with the evolving landscape of digital education, for administrators, educators, and IT staff, to stay updated on any alterations in Google’s policies. Google School Review Policy restricting for academic institutions like schools, reviews, was first announced and implemented in early November, 2019. In 2025, it has undergone policy changes. The new School Review Policy is designed to improve for schools using its services, their security, privacy, and overall experience.
The new policy update will impact how,
- Schools interact with Google products.
- Google gathers and processes data.
- Steps that schools need to take to ensure compliance.
School’s Business Profile starting 30th April 2025 will
- Apply to all General Education Schools. That provides primary or secondary education. Including elementary, middle, and high schools. But does not include pre-schools or higher education institutions like colleges, universities, vocational schools, and post-graduate schools.
- No longer allow reviews and ratings. This will help to prevent unhelpful or prank reviews. Existing reviews or ratings on other hand will be removed.
- Ensure users will not be able to submit new reviews or ratings anymore.
2025 GOOGLE SCHOOL REVIEW POLICY
It is a policy update that builds on earlier guidelines. The review process is a part of a broader initiative, a formal assessment that
- Evaluates how effectively a school or district is using Google tools.
- Introduces new stricter requirements. They relate to data privacy, and user security, with the overall management of Google tools in K-12, and higher education environments.
The goal behind the review process is to ensure educational institutions using Google products
- Conform to data privacy regulations, and respect students’ rights.
- Improve digital illiteracy and follow best practices.
- Implement proper security measures.
- Promote ethical and secure usage of technology in classrooms.
FOCUS AREAS
The new updated policy focuses on,
- DATA PRIVACY & SECURITY: Google will now
- Place emphasis on protection of student data.
- Ensure student data is protected. From misuse and unauthorized access.
- COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: Schools must now comply with global data privacy laws. Including
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe.
- COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) in the United States.
- Other Regional Data Protection regulations.
- BEST PRACTICES FOR DIGITAL LEARNING TOOLS: Schools will be required to reveal how Google’s tools are being leveraged. To improve student engagement, enhance learning outc0mes, and ensure equitable access.
- TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: Schools will now be required to be more transparent. That is
- How are Google Tools being used?
- What data they collect?
- How they handle student information?
WHY HAS THE REVIEW POLICY BEEN UPDATED?
The review policy updation is largely in response to privacy and security concerns. That is, concerns regarding data security and privacy with growing role of technology in the classroom.
Schools now rely more on digital tools than ever. They also are more than ever vulnerable to cyber threats, privacy violations and data breaches. Besides, Google is positioning itself for educational institutions as a trusted partner.
There is the responsibility factor too. Both recognize that with greater usage of digital tools, comes increased responsibility. Additionally, the evolving role of AI and Machine Learning with Data Analytics in education has led to calls for stricter oversight. By setting more effective guidelines and requirements for schools as well as Google, the 2025 policy updation seeks to address these challenges. The new review policy also seeks to strike a balance between fostering innovation in education and protecting users’ privacy and security.
MAJOR CHANGES IN THE POLICY
The 2025 policy includes several notable changes. That requires schools to get ready and prepare for adequately. The following details some major updates,
- ENHANCED DATA PRIVACY & SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: Google has now tightened its data privacy protocols. Schools are now required to protect student data by,
- Implementing stronger authentication processes. Like two-factor authentication (2FA). For administrators and teachers accessing sensitive student data.
- Auditing and monitoring regularly data usage. To detect any potential security breaches or unauthorized access.
- Ensuring data storage and transfers. Comply with local and international data protection laws.
Schools will now have to maintain more transparency. Regarding type of data they collect from students. Schools will need to document and disclose how students’ data is being used. Also, who has access to it and how long the data is stored.
- CLEARER COMPLIANCE WITH DATA PROTECTION LAWS: Schools will now need to comply fully with privacy regulations. Like,
- GDPR: For European Schools. Will now require more detailed assessment of data processing activities.
- COPPA: For U.S. Schools. Will now need to show they are complying with COPPA. Thereby ensuring no personal information is collected from children under 13 years of age without parental consent.
- FERPA: For U.S. Schools. Will now need to ensure compliance with Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA). It governs the access and sharing of student records.
By placing emphasis on compliance, Google’s broader initiative is to standardize across its education platforms, privacy and security measures.
- MANDATORY DIGITAL LITERACY TRAINING FOR TEACHERS & STUDENTS: Schools are now required by Google to provide digital literacy training to teachers as well as students. This training will cover,
- Best Practices for effective use of Google Tools in the classroom.
- Recognizing and avoiding online threats. Like Phishing attacks or malware.
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How to handle personal data responsibly?
Google hopes to by educating teachers and students on safe and ethical use of digital tools, create a more secure, productive online learning environment.
- IMPROVED TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITY: Schools will be required to show greater transparency by providing detailed reports on,
- What tools and services are being used within the Google ecosystem?
- How student data is being managed? Including third-party integrations.
- Has the school experienced any data breaches? Or security incidents?
Schools are also additionally required to outline steps taken to rectify any issues and prevent future breaches.
GREATER FOCUS ON ACCESSIBILITY & EQUITY: Google now places greater stress on the importance of equitable access to technology for all students. Schools as a result will be required to show how they are ensuring all students irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds, have access to Google tools and resources. This includes,
- Providing access to Chromebooks. Or other devices for students in need.
- Ensuring digital content is accessible. To students with disabilities.
- Providing support for teachers. To create inclusive learning environments using Google Tools.
The 2025 Google School Review Policy is a major step. It ensures that educational institutions conform to the highest level of privacy, security, and ethical use of technology.
Google aims to by focusing on data protection and compliance, and data literacy, creates for teachers and students, a safer and more effective learning environment. Moving post 30th April, 2025, schools that take proactive measures to implement and prepare these changes, will be compliant. They will also set themselves up for success in the digital age.
