Learn how Google Chat protects you

Google Chat scans files and messages to help protect you from spam, phishing, and malware.

Types of files & messages scanned

An antivirus scan is automatically done on files uploaded in Google Chat. If Google Chat finds malware, or the file type isn’t allowed for attachments:

  • Google Chat warns you.
  • Google Chat prevents downloads of the file.

Learn more about file types blocked in Google Chat.

Learn how Google detects & reports online child sex abuse

Google Chat detects online child sexual abuse under the Regulation (EU) 2021/1232, which provides for a derogation from the confidentiality of communications under Articles 5(1) and 6(1) of the Directive 2002/58/EC for the purpose of combating online child sexual abuse.

Google does not allow the use of our services to create, upload, or distribute content that exploits or abuses children. To keep our service safe we use technology (i.e. hash matching) to detect such content. If we find such content, we will take appropriate action, which may include removing the content and disabling accounts. Users whose accounts are disabled are provided with information on available redress avenues if the user disagrees with our decision. Users within the European Union can also lodge a complaint to their country’s relevant data protection authority and they have the right to seek a judicial remedy as laid out in the Regulation 2021/1232.

Relevant information, which may include personal information and the violative content, is reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), which in turn forwards reports to law enforcement authorities around the world, as appropriate.

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