End-to-end encryption is now available in Gmail on web browsers, and Google has launched a client-side encryption beta in Gmail. The company announced the beta in a blog post on Friday, and Workspace admins can sign up for it until January 20th. Google recently rolled out a unified Gmail interface across the board.
Google rolls out client-side encryption for Gmail in beta
The client-side encryption feature is now in beta and available to Gmail web users. All user data and attachments will be rendered unreadable by any third party, including Google, thanks to the new client-side encryption for Gmail Web. As a result, all sensitive user data contained in email attachments will be safer.
Gmail’s end-to-end encryption
End-to-end encryption in Gmail ensures that the sender encrypts users’ email communications, which can only be decrypted by the intended recipient on their device. The messages and attachments sent with the email cannot be decoded or read by any third party, organisation, or even Google’s own email server.
Users will have an additional option when using the web version of Gmail after enabling the functionality and configuring the workspace. Users will be given the option to enable extra encryption for messages when they click the padlock. But in exchange, you may have to give up things like a signature, the ability to use emoji, and Smart Compose.
Administrators will have authority over users who want to encrypt. This function extends beyond internal office communications. Users will be able to send encrypted emails to anyone outside of their organisation, including those who use Apple or Microsoft email clients or other email services, according to a Google support page.
Availability
- Users with Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, or Education Standard accounts will be able to access the feature.
- It will not be accessible to users with Google Workspace Essentials or personal Google Accounts.
- Client-Side Encryption (CSE) will be added to the Gmail app for Android and iOS in a future update, according to Google.
Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers can apply for the beta programme until January 20, 2023.
Google announced its availability by saying:
Google Workspace already uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt all data at rest and in transit between our facilities. Client-side encryption helps strengthen the confidentiality of your data while helping to address a broad range of data sovereignty and compliance needs.
