Google Warns Australia Bill Could Block Under-18s From Gmail as Fines Reach A$109 Million
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Nov 9
Google Warns Australia Bill Could Block Under-18s From Gmail as Fines Reach A$109 Million
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Nov 9
Summary
Google told an Australian Senate hearing the proposed Digital Duty of Care law could force it to age-check users and bar under-18s from Gmail, messaging and private file storage.
A section requiring age checks where children might encounter pornography could trigger intrusive monitoring of private communications, Google policy executive Rachel Lord said.
A$109 million in potential fines has fueled industry warnings that platforms may over-moderate content because regulators would have broad discretion to define harmful material.
Meta, TikTok and Snap echoed those concerns, while the government says broad rules are needed to make the internet safer; the bill has passed the House and still needs Senate support.