eSAFETY GUIDE

Google Account

13+
Minimum age according to Google (or younger with the permission of a parent or guardian)
13+ Minimum age according to Google (or younger with the permission of a parent or guardian)

What is a Google Account?

A Google Account is an online account required to personalise results and sometimes access Google’s services, including Search, Gmail, Maps, Chrome, YouTube and Google Assistant, among others. You also need a Google Account to install apps from the Play Store. Activity controls and privacy settings allow you to view and control the personal data Google stores across Google services. It is possible to limit data sharing with advertisers and third parties in your Google Account, but most Google services require your activity to be tracked to personalise results and services. Google Accounts can also be used to share your location and to track the location of linked devices.

Children under the age of 13 can create a Google Account, giving them access to services such as Search, Chrome and Gmail, but their account will need to be authorised by a parent or guardian. Family Link is used to set parental controls for Google Accounts, including controlling purchase and download approvals and setting age-based restrictions on content. Family Link also allows you to share Google products and services with up to five other family members.

Website: google.com/account/about

How do people use Google Accounts?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use online accounts like Google Accounts.

Google accounts are used for: content sharing, encrypted, gaming, in-app purchasing, live streaming, location sharing, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo/video sharing, screen capture, video calling, voice chat and voice command.

How can you remove or delete content, block someone and manage your online reputation?

These links are provided by Google:

  • Activity controls
    Control and delete web and app activity data that is stored in your Google Account.
  • Block someone’s account
    How to block someone’s Google account to prevent them interacting with you in certain Google services like Google Chat, Photos and YouTube.
  • Manage your information
    Manage settings and control information stored in your account.
  • Manage your online reputation
    Advice on how to manage personal information that surfaces on the web and in Google’s services.

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Google:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Google:

Last updated: 04/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.