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July 12, 2026 10:17 am  #1


A Weird Email From Google

This isn't broadcast related, necessarily, but it is a sign of the times. Like many here, I have a gmail account but usually leave my VPN on while I use my computer, resulting in my IP address appearing to be in the U.S. 
 
And now with the Canadian federal government putting up legislation that will force those under a certain age to be denied access to social media in this country, I'm guessing that Google has taken notice and has begun to take steps to prepare for what's coming - even though it may be a near impossible task. 
 
Which may be why I got this "letter" from them this weekend.
 
"We wanted to let you know that we’re changing the country and state associated with your Google Account. We associate your Google Account with a region so that we can better provide our services to you. Your region association will change within 30 days.

Current: Canada
New: United States — Illinois

 
(Where they got Illinois from is anyone's guess because that's not the city my VPN is set to.)
 
The message continues:
 
This may affect your use of our products and services, depending on your region’s laws and regulations.


  • Some features may no longer be available to you, or you may need to verify your age

    • Depending on the laws in your region, your account may need to be supervised by a parent.


I'm guessing this has to do with the new Safe Social Media Act legislation, that among other things, bans kids under a certain age from getting on social media. If all it takes to bypass this is using a VPN, it won't take them long to figure that out. 
 
Has anyone else received something like this?

Guess I'll go listen to WGN-AM, since I'm apparently already based in the Windy City...

 

July 12, 2026 7:55 pm  #2


Re: A Weird Email From Google

Google maps should show you where that VPN IP is based: google.com/maps

 

July 13, 2026 5:47 am  #3


Re: A Weird Email From Google

Evuguy wrote:

Google maps should show you where that VPN IP is based: google.com/maps

Actually, you can just type "What is my IP address" into your browser and it will tell you. The odd thing about this is ithat I use Nord VPN, which has 55 different cities in the U.S. to choose from. I've used Buffalo, New York City and even Atlanta. I don't think I've ever used Chicago or anywhere in Illinois.

Yet for some reason Google has chosen the latter state as my location. 

I don't really care, in the end, because I'm not entirely comfortable with the Canadian legislation and have no reason to want to be tracked by it. 

     Thread Starter
 

July 13, 2026 8:35 am  #4


Re: A Weird Email From Google

Don't know why, but when my Nord VPN is set to the U.S. I always pick Chicago.