Is Gmail's new E2E encryption a response to European secure email providers?

Hey everyone,

I just heard that Google is rolling out end-to-end encryption for Gmail. But from what I’ve read, it seems like it’s not very well implemented. This got me thinking - why are they suddenly doing this?

Could it be that they’re worried about losing users to European email services like Proton and Tutanota? These providers have been offering strong encryption for a while now.

What do you guys think? Is Google just trying to keep up with the competition? Or is there more to it? I’m really curious to hear your thoughts on this!

Also, has anyone here tried out the new encryption feature in Gmail? How does it compare to what Proton and Tutanota offer? Thanks for any insights you can share!

I’ve been using Gmail for years, and this new E2E encryption feels like a step in the right direction, but it’s not quite there yet. From my experience, it’s more of a PR move than a real commitment to privacy.

I switched to ProtonMail for my sensitive stuff a while back, and the difference is night and day. ProtonMail’s encryption is baked into the core of their service, while Gmail’s feels tacked on.

That said, I think Google’s mainly responding to the overall shift in public awareness about online privacy. They’re probably hoping this will be enough to keep most users from jumping ship.

One thing to consider: Google’s business model relies heavily on data mining. True E2E encryption would cut them off from that data, so they’re likely trying to find a middle ground. It’s a tricky balancing act for them.

In the end, if you really care about privacy, you might want to look beyond Gmail. But for the average user, this new feature might be just enough to keep them comfortable.

nah, it’s not just about competition. google’s probably feeling the heat from all sides - users want better privacy, govts are cracking down on data protection. but let’s be real, their e2e setup is kinda half-baked compared to proton n tutanota. maybe they’re just testing the waters? or tryna look good without really changing much. either way, it’s a start i guess.

I’ve been following this development closely, and I believe there’s more to it than just competition.

While European providers like Proton and Tutanota have certainly set a high bar for email security, Google’s move is likely driven by multiple factors.

Firstly, there’s increasing global concern about data privacy and security. With cyber threats on the rise, even tech giants like Google need to step up their game. Secondly, regulatory pressures, especially from the EU, are pushing for stronger data protection measures.

That said, Google’s implementation does seem less comprehensive than some alternatives. It’s worth noting that their E2E encryption is currently optional and somewhat limited in scope. This could be a cautious first step, balancing security with their existing business model which relies heavily on data analysis.

In my view, while competition may play a role, this is more about Google adapting to a changing digital landscape where privacy is becoming a key selling point for tech services.