Google has added a new admin control in Google Chat that lets you restrict which staff can create new chat spaces, without affecting their ability to send direct messages.

• What it is: A new Google Chat setting with three levels: no restrictions, restrict space creation only, or restrict all chat creation. It applies at the domain, department or group level.
• Who is affected: Google Workspace admins and any business wanting tighter control over who can start new group chat spaces.
• What the risk is: No risk from the change itself. Left unconfigured, any staff member can currently create chat spaces, which can lead to sprawl and inconsistent record-keeping.
• What action is needed: If you want to limit space creation to specific teams, go to Admin console > Apps > Google Workspace > Google Chat > Chat and space restrictions to configure it.

We recommend reviewing this setting if your business has struggled with an unmanaged sprawl of Chat spaces.