I just heard about Gmail’s new encryption feature. They’re calling it end-to-end encryption, but I’m not sure if it really is. Does anyone know more about this?
I thought true E2EE meant only the sender and receiver could read the messages. But it sounds like Google might still have access? I’m confused about how it actually works.
Has anyone tried it out yet? What are your thoughts on the security level? I’m curious to hear from people who know more about encryption.
Also, how does this compare to other secure email options out there? Is it worth switching to or should we stick with other services for truly private communication?
I’ve been using Gmail’s new encryption feature for a few weeks now, and I can share some insights. While it’s a step in the right direction, it’s not quite the same as true end-to-end encryption you’d find in dedicated secure messaging apps.
From what I understand, Google still has access to the metadata (subject lines, recipients, etc.) and can potentially access the content if needed. It’s more like enhanced protection against external threats rather than complete privacy from the service provider.
In my experience, it’s been smooth to use and adds an extra layer of security for sensitive emails. However, if you’re looking for absolute privacy, you might want to consider specialized services like ProtonMail or Tutanota.
That said, for everyday use and protection against most threats, Gmail’s new feature is quite robust. It’s a good balance between security and convenience for the average user. Just be aware of its limitations if you’re handling extremely sensitive information.
gmail’s new encryption is decent but not perfect. i tried it out and it’s pretty easy to use. still, google can see some stuff like who you’re emailing. if u need total privacy, maybe look at other options. but for most ppl, it’s probably good enough tbh
I’ve been researching this topic extensively, and I can confirm that Gmail’s new encryption feature isn’t truly end-to-end secure. While it does offer improved protection, Google still retains the ability to access certain data. This is primarily due to the way the encryption keys are managed within their infrastructure.
From a technical standpoint, the encryption occurs on Google’s servers before the email is sent, which means they theoretically have the capability to decrypt messages if required. This differs from true E2EE systems where encryption happens on the user’s device.
For most everyday users, this level of security is likely sufficient. However, if you’re dealing with highly sensitive information or have specific privacy concerns, you might want to consider alternatives like PGP or dedicated secure email providers. These offer more robust protection against potential access by service providers or third parties.