eSAFETY GUIDE

Google Chat

13+
Minimum age according to Google
13+ Minimum age according to Google

What is Google Chat?

Google Chat, formerly known as Google Hangouts, is a direct messaging, group chat and voice and video calling app owned by Google. You can send private messages, group chat with thousands of people in a space, and make voice and video calls from within the app. It also allows you to share content like photos, videos, maps, emoji, stickers and animated GIFs. 

Google Chat is free to use with a Google account. Communication within the app is free, however calling external phone numbers may require a fee. Google Chat can be accessed from inside Gmail. It also works with Google Voice, a phone number available on smartphones and the web that can be used to place and receive calls from anywhere. Google Chat synchronises your messages across multiple devices and supports offline messaging. Content that is shared and voice and video calls that are made with Google Chat are not encrypted.

Google Chat also includes advanced features such as work and collaboration spaces, chat bots and in-built search. It is part of the Google Workspace suite of apps and includes premium features available with a paid subscription. 

Website: chat.google.com
App: Android, Apple iOS

How do people use Google Chat?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use direct messaging, group chat and voice and video calling apps like Google Chat.

Google Chat is used for: content sharing, in-app purchasing, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo/video sharing, screen capture and video calling.

How do I report inappropriate content, block a user or get my personal data deleted?

These links are provided by Google Chat:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Google Chat:

Key safety links

These links are provided by Google Chat:

Last updated: 05/06/2024

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.