In an effort to enhance user privacy and combat the ever-growing issue of spam, Google is developing a new feature called Shielded Email.
This tool allows users to create temporary email aliases, effectively masking their primary email addresses when signing up for online services or filling out forms.
This approach is reminiscent of Apple’s Hide My Email feature, introduced with iOS 15, which enables users to generate unique, random email addresses that forward to their personal inboxes.
How Shielded Email Works
The primary function of Shielded Email is to generate unique, single-use email addresses that automatically forward messages to the user’s main Gmail inbox.
This means users can interact with websites and services without exposing their real email addresses, significantly reducing the risk of spam and unwanted marketing communications.
Tech analysts first discovered the feature after examining the latest version of Google Play Services for Android.
Seamless Integration with Google Autofill
Shielded Email is integrated into Google’s Autofill system. When signing up for a new website or app, Google‘s Gboard smart autofill bar suggests the usual email address alongside a new “Use Shielded Email” option.
Tapping this option generates a new single-use or limited-use email address for that app or website. Any email received at that new address is auto-forwarded to the user’s main address, which remains private. Users can stop forwarding at any point to avoid spam.
A Familiar Concept: Apple’s Hide My Email
The concept of using email aliases to protect privacy is not new. Apple’s Hide My Email, part of the iCloud+ service, lets users create unique, random email addresses that forward to their personal email accounts.
This ensures privacy and reduces unwanted emails. Apple users can create and manage Hide My Email addresses in their device settings, allowing them to keep their inboxes clutter-free.
Similarly, Google’s Shielded Email aims to provide users with more control over their inboxes by allowing them to create temporary email aliases. This feature is particularly useful when signing up for new services or apps, as it keeps the user’s real email address private and helps reduce spam.
A Step Towards Better Email Privacy
While Shielded Email is still in development and not yet available to the public, its potential benefits are significant. By allowing users to create temporary email aliases, it provides an additional layer of privacy and helps manage unsolicited emails.
This feature could be a valuable tool in the ongoing battle against spam and unwanted communications. As digital privacy concerns continue to grow, tools like Shielded Email and Apple’s Hide My Email provide users with more control over their personal information.
