Google may be working on a new service to protect users’ privacy. According to details discovered by Android Authority, clues about the temporary email feature called “Shield Email” were found in the Gmail Android application. It looks like this feature will allow users to create temporary email addresses that they can share with third parties.
The basic logic of Shield Email is quite simple. Users will create a temporary email address to hide their real email address. Emails arriving at these temporary addresses will be forwarded to users’ main inboxes. However, users will be able to completely disable these addresses in an undesirable situation. So, instead of dealing with spam filters, just deleting the temporary address will be enough.
However, as with existing ad-hoc email services, Shield Email is expected to only accept incoming mail. This feature will most likely not be included as supporting outgoing mail could lead to abuse of the service.
Is multiple temporary addresses possible in Gmail?
According to the screenshots shared by Android Authority, users will be able to create more than one Shield Email. This feature can provide great convenience, especially for those who want to use different e-mail addresses on different platforms. For example, separate temporary addresses can be created for online shopping, social media and membership platforms. However, it is currently unclear whether this feature will be included in the final version.
It’s important to note that Shield Email is currently only references seen in Gmail’s Android app. Google has not yet made an official statement about this feature. So it’s unclear whether the service will actually go live. Still, Google taking such a step to increase privacy can be considered as an indication that the company prioritizes user security.
Although it is not yet clear whether Shield Email will come into play, this type of service could play an important role in improving users’ online privacy. The need for such solutions is increasing, especially considering the increasing cybersecurity threats and the prevalence of spam emails.