Google Warns Australia's New Safety Bill Could Block Under-18s From Gmail

A proposed Australian internet law could force Google to block under-18s from using its Gmail service, an Australia-based company policy head said on Monday, 9 November 2026, underscoring an industry warning that the draft regulation risks overreach. Under the Digital Duty of Care legislation, which has already passed Australia's House of Representatives but needs cross-party support to pass the Senate, internet companies must show they are taking steps to weed out harmful content or face a fine of up to A$109 million ($75.1 million).

The clause Google is worried about

A section of the law requiring age checks if there was a risk of a child seeing pornography "could require us to age assure and block access to everyday communication services like messaging, email and private file storage", said Rachel Lord, head of policy in Australia and New Zealand for Google's YouTube streaming website, at a Senate hearing. The disputed provision covers online services where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk that children could encounter pornography or fetish material. The legislation does not explicitly require platforms to block under-18s from using an entire service. However, it does not specifically exempt email or messaging services, raising questions about how the rules could affect platforms such as Gmail. Google wants the requirement limited to services whose sole or primary purpose is distributing pornographic material. A breach of the age-verification requirement would carry the same maximum penalty as the bill's broader duty of care.

Where the bill stands

The bill has passed Australia's House of Representatives and is now awaiting Senate approval, where it needs cross-party support to become law. Communications Minister Anika Wells wants the legislation passed by the end of 2026. If enacted, the new duty of care would come into effect 12 months after the law is passed. The Senate committee hearing is continuing, with its findings expected by November 20.

A warning about overreach

Google's warning reflects concern that the law could filter into everyday parts of the internet. What began as a bill about harmful content could, in Google's reading, end up deciding whether a teenager can keep an email address. The hearing continues.

Sources

• Reuters — Google says new Australian internet safety bill could cut off under-18s from Gmail
• Gulf News — Google Warns Australia's Digital Duty of Care Bill Could Block Teens from Gmail