News and Announcements

Google Restricts Access to Non-Core Apps for Users Under 18 Starting March 2025

Posted: 2025-02-03 17:09:27   Expiration: 2026-02-14 17:09:27

Effective March 2025, Google restricts access to additional services and non-core apps, such as YouTube and Google Analytics, for users under 18. Access will be restored once they turn 18.

Key takeaways

  • Affected apps: View a list of affected apps. Core apps such Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides will not be impacted. Core app exception includes Gemini and NotebookLM. 

  • Affected users: Individuals under 18 years of age.

  • Service accounts: Service accounts will not be affected.

  • Data deletion: Data owned by affected users will be deleted 30 days after they lose access to non-core apps.

  • Data export: Google recommends using Takeout to export needed data. The UW-Madison Google Workspace team cannot transfer ownership or migrate data on behalf of users.

  • Limited support: Support for non-core apps is limited due to no vendor support or administrative tools to support non-core app data. 

Questions and Answers

  1. Will users under 18 lose access to the core apps Gemini or NotebookLM?
    • No, Gemini will continue to be available but access to its features are limited. They will not have access to image generator, Google Drive file upload, or Deep Research. 
    • Yes, NotebookLM will no longer be accessible.
    • Once the user turns 18, they will gain full access to Gemini and NotebookLM features.  

  2. Will YouTube videos embedded in Canvas be affected?

    • No. Embedded YouTube videos will continue to be accessible in Canvas. However, affected users will not have the option to respond to the videos (ex: comment, like) on the YouTube website. 

  3. Where can I learn more?

-- -- UW-Madison Google Workspace