What’s changing
For select Google Workspace editions, admins can now define a duration after which their users' messages in Google Chat will be deleted automatically. This can apply to messages in 1:1 conversations, group conversations, and spaces — time periods can be assigned for each message type. Note that this retention period only applies to messages sent when history is enabled. The auto-deletion timeframe can range from 30 days to several years.
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Who’s impacted
Admins and end users
Why it’s important
Currently, admins have limited control over the history duration of conversations in Google Chat: with history off, messages are deleted after 24 hours; with history on, messages remain visible for indefinite time, unless proactively deleted by Vault Retention policy or proactively deleted by user by user.
This update gives admins more granular control over how long their users can see messages in conversations. For end user practicality, this helps unclutter conversations, while complying with retention requirements (if a retention policy is applied). If you’re using the Auto Deletion policy combined with a Vault Retention Policy, the Vault policy prevails. For more information, see this article in our Help Center.
Getting started
- Admins:
- This feature will be OFF by default and can be configured at the OU level for 1:1 direct messages.
- Group messages and Spaces can be configured at the domain level.
- Visit the Help Center to learn more about controlling Google Chat auto-deletion settings.
- End users: There is no end user setting for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about turning history on or off in Google Chat.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 28, 2023
Availability
- Available to Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus customers.