Google has warned that proposed internet regulations in Australia could force it to restrict under-18s from using everyday services such as Gmail, messaging platforms and private file storage.
Rachel Lord, Google’s head of policy in Australia and New Zealand, raised the concern on Monday during a Senate hearing on the proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation.
She said a provision requiring online platforms to conduct age checks where children risked exposure to pornography could compel companies to verify users’ ages before granting access to services such as email.
The proposed legislation, which has passed the House of Representatives but requires Senate approval, would require internet companies to take steps to remove harmful content or face fines of up to A$109 million ($75.1 million).
Lord warned that enforcing the provision could involve intrusive monitoring of private communications and file storage.
“We are talking about potentially intrusive monitoring within private communications or file storage,” she said.
Representatives of Meta, TikTok and Snap also raised concerns about the proposed law, arguing that its broad provisions could discourage online communication and give regulators excessive discretion in determining harmful content.
They warned that uncertainty over what constitutes harmful content could push platforms to remove or restrict material excessively to avoid regulatory penalties.
The companies also argued that the legislation could replace some existing mandatory industry codes.
The Australian government, however, has maintained that broad regulations are necessary to ensure a safer internet.
The Senate hearing is ongoing.
