The proposed Australian internet law could force Google to block people under 18 from using Gmail, a company policy head said on Monday. The warning highlights industry concerns that the draft rules could reach beyond harmful content, according to Reuters.

The Digital Duty of Care bill has passed Australia’s House of Representatives. It still needs cross-party support to pass the Senate. Under the bill, internet companies would have to show they are taking steps to remove harmful content or face fines of up to A$109 million ($75.1 million).

Online companies and free speech advocates say the law could give regulators too much discretion to decide what is harmful. They warn that this could pressure platforms to remove content. Google’s market listing warning reflects concern that the rules could affect everyday internet services.

At a Senate hearing, Rachel Lord, head of policy in Australia and New Zealand for Google’s YouTube streaming website, said a provision requiring age checks where children could be at risk of seeing pornography “could require us to age assure and block access to everyday communication services like messaging, email and private file storage”.

“We are talking about potentially intrusive monitoring within private communications or file storage,” she added.

Representatives from Meta, TikTok and Snap raised similar concerns. They warned that broad regulatory discretion to determine harmful content or conduct could chill online communications. The bill would also replace some existing mandatory industry codes.

Several representatives said uncertainty could lead platforms to over-moderate content to avoid large penalties. The government has said a broad set of rules is the only way to ensure a safe internet.

The hearing continues. The debate over the Australian internet law will focus on how the proposed requirements could affect services such as Gmail and other private communications.

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