Gmail introduces Blue Checkmark for Verified Senders to Combat Misinformation

In a bid to make email communication more secure and to prevent malicious sources from impersonating legitimate brands, Gmail is rolling out a new feature that adds a blue checkmark to verified emails. This latest move is a continuation of the company’s efforts to combat misinformation and improve user experience, following the introduction of verified brand logos last year.

Here’s what you need to know about the new blue checkmark system:

Verified Brand Logos in Gmail

Since 2021, Gmail has been displaying verified brand logos in the avatar slot instead of just the initial of a brand’s name. This means that when a user receives an email from a verified account, they will see the brand logo instead of a letter. For example, if a user receives an email from LinkedIn, they will see the LinkedIn logo instead of an “L” in the avatar slot.

This feature was made possible by DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance), a protocol that helps to prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks.

Gmail’s New Blue Checkmark System

Building on the verified brand logos feature, Gmail is now introducing a new blue checkmark system for verified senders. The checkmark icon will be displayed for senders who have adopted BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification), a standard that allows verified senders to display their brand logos in the avatar slot.

The blue seal with a white checkmark in the middle will appear beside the sender’s name in the email header. When a user hovers over the icon on the web, they will see the sender’s brand logo.

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The purpose of this new feature is to help users distinguish between emails sent from legitimate sources and those sent from impersonating accounts. By providing a clear indication of a verified sender, Gmail aims to prevent users from trusting emails that are sent from malicious sources.

Rolling Out to All Gmail and Google Workspace Users

The new blue checkmark system is rolling out to all Gmail and Google Workspace users starting today. This includes Google Workspace customers, legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers, and users with personal Google Accounts.

By making this feature available to all users, Gmail aims to improve email security and user experience across the board.

The Importance of Combatting Misinformation

The introduction of the blue checkmark system is an important step in combatting misinformation and improving trust in email communication. With the rise of phishing attacks and email spoofing, it’s crucial that users have a way to verify the legitimacy of the emails they receive.

This move by Gmail is particularly significant in light of the recent controversy surrounding Twitter’s verified badge. By charging users for the privilege of having a verified badge, Twitter has undermined the credibility of the system, leading to a proliferation of verified accounts spreading misinformation.

Gmail’s decision to offer a blue checkmark system for free, without any plans to charge users, is a positive move that could help to restore trust in online communication.

Conclusion

Gmail’s new blue checkmark system for verified senders is a welcome addition to the platform. By providing users with a clear indication of a sender’s legitimacy, the feature will help to combat phishing attacks and prevent the spread of misinformation.

With the feature rolling out to all users, Gmail is making email communication more secure and improving user experience. This move is a testament to the company’s commitment to improving trust in online communication and combatting misinformation

Source: Google


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