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New Feature in Gmail: ‘Shielded Email’ for Enhanced PrivacyThis Function Will Allow Users to Create Temporary Email AddressesAimed at Reducing Spam and Protecting Personal Information
Gmail may soon introduce a feature that allows users to generate temporary email addresses. This development, which is particularly useful for signing up for online services or accounts with uncertain privacy practices, will enable individuals to shield their actual email addresses from unwanted spam and potential privacy breaches.
Reports from Android Authority indicate that the latest version of Google Play Services APK includes references to this new ‘Shielded Email’ functionality. The details uncovered suggest a feature that will furnish users with a unique, Google-generated email address that forwards messages directly to their primary Gmail inbox.
This innovation becomes particularly relevant when users must provide an email address to register for applications or websites they do not fully trust. With the potential for spam from such entities, users can now divert it by utilizing these shielded addresses, which can be deactivated effortlessly if they become a nuisance.
According to the code analysis, one highlighted message states: “To control spam, you can turn off forwarding at any time in your Google Account.” This makes it clear that users can manage their spam risk with straightforward steps.
Conversely, when a user shares their actual email with less secure platforms, they risk being victimized by spam, especially if that company suffers a data breach.
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Examining the Security Advantages
The introduction of shielded emails may significantly enhance user security. If a company storing users’ real email addresses experiences a breach, it could result in compromised personal information. Utilizing a temporary email address mitigates this risk; users can simply discard the shielded address without suffering any long-term consequences.
This prospective feature seems promising, although its implementation remains uncertain at this stage. The emerging hints in the Google Play Services codebase serve as an encouraging sign, especially since mentions of shielded emails have also appeared in the Autofill settings on Android devices.
While the concept of temporary email addresses is not groundbreaking—various services currently offer similar functionalities—integrating this feature within Gmail itself would greatly simplify access for users, eliminating the need for third-party applications.
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