Google warns Australian safety bill could block teens from Gmail

The age-check clause

Lord said Google's main worry is a section calling for age checks where there is a risk a child could see pornography. That section, she told the hearing, "could require us to age-assure and block access to everyday communication services like messaging, email and private file storage." She added: "We are talking about potentially intrusive monitoring within private communications or file storage."

Meta, TikTok and Snap raised similar concerns. The companies said the bill would give regulators wide power to decide what counts as harmful content or conduct, and would replace some existing industry codes that platforms must follow. Several firms argued the lack of clarity could push platforms to take down too much content simply to avoid large fines.

Where the bill stands

Communications Minister Anika Wells introduced the bill on 15 October, and it passed the House of Representatives in late October. The Labor government is expected to need support from the Greens, who back a duty of care but want tougher penalties. A Senate committee is due to report by 20 November.

The government says a broad set of rules is the only way to make the internet safe. If the bill passes, the new duty is expected to take effect after a 12-month transition period.

Australia already bars children under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms. That world-first ban took effect in December 2025, and YouTube is among the services it covers.