Granular space creation restrictions now available in Google Chat

We are introducing a new admin setting in Google Chat that allows administrators to restrict specific users or groups from creating spaces, while continuing to permit them to create 1:1 direct messages (DMs) and group direct messages (gDMs).

Previously, Chat restriction settings functioned as a single all-or-nothing toggle, which disabled all conversation creation. With this update, administrators gain more flexible policy enforcement with the following restriction levels:

  • No restrictions: All chat creation (1:1 DMs, group direct messages, and spaces) is permitted.
  • Restrict space creation: Users can create 1:1 DMs and group direct messages, but are restricted from creating new Chat spaces.
  • Restrict all creation: Users are restricted from creating 1:1 DMs, group direct messages, and Chat spaces.

This enhancement is particularly useful for organizations—such as educational institutions, frontline environments, and external vendor/contractor teams—that want to ensure space creation is managed through designated approval workflows or admin creation, without disrupting day-to-day direct communication.

Getting started

  • Admins: This feature is available at the domain, Organizational Unit (OU), and group level. To configure space creation restrictions, open the Admin console and navigate to Apps > Google Workspace > Google Chat > Chat and space restrictions. Visit the Help Center to learn more about setting up Chat restrictions.
  • End users: There is no end-user setting for this feature. Restricted users will notice that the option to create a space in Google Chat is disabled, but they will maintain the ability to create 1:1 DMs and group direct messages.

Rollout pace

Availability

  • Business: Business Standard and Plus
  • Enterprise: Enterprise Starter, Standard and Plus
  • Education: Education Fundamentals, Standard, and Plus
  • Other Editions: Frontline Starter, Standard and Plus

Resources