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.





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


Rollout pace


Availability

  • Available to Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, and Education Plus customers.

Resources