Google Chat updates from January 2026
-
Introduction of granular OAuth consent for all Google Chat apps using Apps Script, allowing users to choose specific data access.
Google is introducing granular OAuth consent for all types of Google Chat apps that use Apps Script, expanding upon a previously announced feature. This enhancement allows users to have more control over their data by enabling them to select the specific data an app can access when requesting OAuth scope grants. This change is particularly relevant for new OAuth scope grants, as pre-existing grants will remain unaffected. Developers are advised to review the updated documentation for handling these granular permissions.
Release: Both • Rapid: 2026-01-20 • Scheduled: 2026-01-20 -
Granular OAuth consent is now available for all Google Chat apps built using Apps Script.
Google is expanding granular OAuth consent to all types of Chat apps developed with Apps Script, moving beyond just Workspace add-ons. This update allows users to choose the specific data an app is permitted to access when granting new OAuth scope permissions, providing more control over data privacy. Pre-existing scope grants remain unaffected.
Release: Both • Rapid: 2026-01-20 • Scheduled: 2026-01-20 -
Users can now forward messages in Google Chat.
Google Chat is introducing a new feature that allows users to forward messages directly within conversations, eliminating the need for manual workarounds like copying and pasting. This enhances team collaboration by simplifying sharing, preserving context with original sender and attachments, and improving visibility by allowing messages from threads to be moved to the main stream. While there are some limitations regarding forwarding between internal and external organizational conversations, a reminder for sensitive information will appear when forwarding from DMs or group DMs.
Release: Both • Rapid: 2026-01-20 • Scheduled: 2026-02-11 -
Google Chat introduces the ability to forward messages across different conversations.
Google Chat is introducing a new feature that allows users to forward messages between direct messages and spaces, eliminating the need for copying and pasting or using screenshots. Forwarded messages preserve the original sender, source, and attachments, and can be moved from threads into the main conversation stream. While there are restrictions on forwarding between internal and external organizations, users can forward messages from external conversations to internal ones. A security reminder appears when forwarding from DMs to protect sensitive information.
Release: Both • Rapid: 2026-01-20 • Scheduled: 2026-02-11