Google has announced that Gmail’s client-side encryption mode is now generally available to businesses and educational institutions, having launched in beta last year. The feature ensures that not even Google itself can see the content of the emails it hosts, with the data “encrypted before it reaches Google’s servers”. The company says this could be useful for businesses that need to meet strict compliance or privacy standards.
In a blog post on Tuesday, Google writes that client-side encryption for Gmail gives customers “exclusive control over their encryption keys — and therefore complete control over all access to their data.” Users can encrypt emails they send within their organization, as well as emails they send to other parties, even if the recipient doesn’t use Gmail.
Reports of the company working to strengthen encryption for its email service date back to at least 2014, so it’s good to see client-side encryption finally here. However, the feature isn’t for everyone: it’s only available to people with Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, or Education Plus accounts, not personal accounts. It’s also not particularly easy to set up, like the process seems aimed at IT departments.
While Gmail may be one of the most important uses for client-side encryption, so does Google the option rolled out to use the feature for several of its other Workspace apps, such as Drive, Docs, and Meet. Earlier this monthit also announced that client-side encryption was generally available for Google Calendar, allowing businesses to add extra protection for an event’s description and attachments.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.