Google has announced that, with immediate effect, users of Gmail on both Android and iPhone will be able, for the first time, to read and compose end-to-end encrypted emails without the need for any additional apps or tools. This is a monumental move forward in terms of privacy and security for users of the world’s most popular email platform. Unfortunately, the advance is not being offered to all 3.5 billion users. And that’s the catch.
Here’s what you need to know.
Google Brings Gmail End-To-End Encryption To Your Smartphone—If You Meet The Criteria
It’s been quite the week for big Google privacy and security announcements. First, I reported that the technology giant was introducing new 2FA bypass attack protection for Chrome users on Windows, and now Google has confirmed it is introducing end-to-end encryption for Gmail users on Android and iOS.
This will, sadly, not impact as many people as the Chrome for Windows update. That’s because, Google said, the long-awaited and much-needed encryption feature is only available to Enterprise Plus license holders, and even then, only those with the Assured Controls or Assured Controls Plus add-on.
This will, sadly, not impact as many people as the Chrome for Windows update. That’s because, Google said, the long-awaited and much-needed encryption feature is only available to Enterprise Plus license holders, and even then, only those with the Assured Controls or Assured Controls Plus add-on.
In other words, eligible organizations that use Gmail client-side encryption will now be able to preserve privacy and security controls without worrying about the hassle of exchanging keys or being required to use additional custom software.
Google explained that if a recipient uses the Gmail app, the encrypted message is delivered to their inbox as any other typical email. If they don’t have the Gmail app, however, the message can be read seamlessly and securely, “in their own native browser, ensuring that all users have a simple and secure interface, regardless of their email service or device.”
Now, if only the same level of privacy and security could be applied to all Google Gmail users, including consumers, then maybe I would be able to recommend it to more people. As it is, I will stick to recommending Proton Mail as even the relatively limited free version enables automatic e2ee between Proton Mail users and a “password-protected emails” function to bring the same to non-Proton users.
Source: Forbes