I’ve come across news regarding Google’s recent efforts to introduce end-to-end encryption for Gmail, but honestly, the way it’s been implemented appears to be quite lacking compared to existing solutions.
This makes me wonder if this move is a reaction to people migrating to privacy-oriented email providers from Europe like ProtonMail and Tutanota. These platforms have always had strong encryption features, and with growing public concern about data privacy, it seems relevant.
The timing raises my suspicions. Google has historically shown little urgency about real email encryption, yet now they are making strides towards this feature that feels unfinished.
Has anyone else observed this trend? Do you believe Google’s intention is to enhance privacy, or is it mainly a tactic to prevent users from switching to competitors that emphasize security from the outset?
I would love to hear others’ thoughts on Google’s intentions and whether their encryption initiatives are genuinely trustworthy when compared to other services.
I’ve been in tech for years, and honestly? Google’s encryption push isn’t about beating competitors - it’s regulatory pressure. GDPR and the EU’s new digital rules are forcing big tech to actually improve privacy, not just talk about it. Google probably saw the writing on the wall and knew their current encryption was garbage before stricter compliance hits. Those European providers you mentioned? They’ve always been ahead because they built privacy into everything from day one. Google’s just slapping encryption onto infrastructure that was designed to harvest your data. That’s why it feels half-baked - because it is. They’re trying to keep users happy while protecting their ad money, which creates compromises that dedicated encrypted email services never have to make.
Google’s encryption move is pure competition play, but here’s what’s really happening. Users want data control, not just protection, and companies are scrambling to catch up.
I’ve watched this cycle before. Big tech waits until they’re forced to act, then ships features that sound great but don’t actually solve the problem.
Switching email providers won’t fix this though. You need to automate your data workflow so you’re not stuck with one platform. I built a system that backs up, encrypts, and routes my communications across multiple services automatically. When Gmail screws up, everything keeps working.
Don’t trust Google’s promises or hope ProtonMail stays independent. Build automated workflows that give you actual control. Set up rules to encrypt sensitive emails, route different message types to different providers, and backup everything important.
Then you’re not dependent on any company’s privacy theater or business pivots. You control the process.
Latenode makes this automation dead simple. Connect Gmail, ProtonMail, Outlook, whatever - then create rules that actually protect your data how you want.
totally agree! google seems to be just catching up… it’s like they’re realizing people care about privacy now. but yeah, feels kinda half-baked, like they want to keep users from leaving rather than really prioritizing our security.
Google’s encryption timing isn’t about competition fears - it’s their enterprise push. I’ve worked with enterprise clients switching email systems, and compliance-grade encryption demand has exploded lately. Government contracts and Fortune 500 deals require end-to-end encryption, and Google was bleeding these high-value accounts to Microsoft and specialized providers. Sure, the consumer privacy angle gets headlines, but the real money’s in enterprise subscriptions where encryption isn’t optional. Their rollout feels rushed because they’re checking regulatory boxes while keeping their ad infrastructure intact. This isn’t about ProtonMail stealing users - it’s about not losing the lucrative business market to competitors who already had proper encryption.
Working in cybersecurity consulting, Google’s encryption rollout screams damage control, not innovation. They’ve had the tech for years but didn’t use it because encrypted emails can’t be scanned for ads. Now Apple’s pushing privacy hard and even Microsoft’s beefing up Outlook security - Google can’t afford to look outdated. That half-baked implementation you mentioned? Makes total sense. They’re trying to balance privacy with their data collection business model. Can’t lose users to ProtonMail, but can’t kill what makes them billions either. It’s why this feels like a compromise instead of real privacy commitment.
Honestly, google’s just saving face here. They’ve been getting roasted over privacy issues and now they’re scrambling to look like they care. But let’s be real - their entire business runs on reading our emails for ads. Any “encryption” they push out will have backdoors or loopholes built in.