IT Admin Change Calendar Google Workspace
Granular space-creation restrictions arrive in Google Chat admin settings
Admins can now restrict specific users or groups from creating Chat spaces while still allowing direct messages, at domain, OU, or group level.
Product
Google Chat
Announced
19 August 2026
Effective from
19 August 2026
Who is affected
Google Workspace organizations using Google Chat. No behavior changes unless an admin configures the new restriction levels.
Admin roles to involve: Google Workspace super admin, Chat service admin
Why no action is required
Optional. If your organization limits who may create shared spaces, configure the new three-level restriction (no restrictions / restrict space creation / restrict all creation) under Apps > Google Workspace > Google Chat > Chat and space restrictions. Rollout to Rapid and Scheduled Release domains started August 19, 2026 and can take over 15 days.
What happens if this is ignored
None — existing Chat creation settings keep working unchanged; the finer-grained controls simply go unused.
Official source
Granular space creation restrictions now available in Google Chat
Published by Google · Source dated 19 August 2026 · Checked 24 August 2026
Last verified 24 August 2026
Related changes
- Custom roles for managing and viewing Google Groups members are removed (15 September 2025)
- Gmail enforces authentication requirements for bulk senders (1 February 2024)
- Multi-party approvals available for sensitive Admin console actions (9 April 2024)