Google warns Australian safety bill could bring age checks to Gmail
Google told an Australian Senate hearing that a proposed digital duty of care could extend age checks and restrictions to email, messaging and private file storage. The company also warned about monitoring private communications. Other platforms sought clearer rules, while the government defended broad protections for children. A Senate committee report is expected on 20 November.
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Google raises concerns over private communications
Google warned Australian lawmakers that the proposed digital duty of care could reach services people use for private communication and storage. At the 9 November Senate hearing, YouTube’s Australia and New Zealand policy representative Rachel Lord raised the prospect of age assurance and restrictions affecting messaging, email and private files. Google also warned that compliance could require intrusive monitoring within those services, including Gmail and Google Drive.[1], [2]
Platforms seek clearer limits on their responsibilities
Lord specifically questioned a provision requiring age checks where a child could encounter pornography. Google’s Gmail warning concerns its interpretation of a proposed obligation, while the bill remains before the Senate. Meta, TikTok and Snap also raised concerns about regulatory discretion and unclear requirements. The companies argued that uncertainty could encourage excessive removal of content. The government maintains that broad responsibilities are necessary to protect children across different online services.[1]
Senate committee report is expected on 20 November
Communications Minister Anika Wells introduced the legislation on 15 October, and it passed the House of Representatives later that month. A Senate committee is expected to report on 20 November. The proposal envisages a twelve-month transition period and penalties reaching 109 million Australian dollars. This legislative process is separate from the under-16 social-media account restrictions that took effect in December 2025.[1]
