Google has announced that its Gmail service will receive end-to-end encryption. Subscription holders of some Google Workspace plans can already use the beta version today.
Google representatives said they will improve Gmail with end-to-end encryption (E2EE). This will give users of Google Workspace cloud programs the ability to exchange securely encrypted emails not only within gmail.com but also outside of this domain. The “client-side” encryption method (Google uses this name to refer to E2EE) has already been implemented for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets and Slides, the Google Meet video communication service, and the Google Calendar organizer application.
With client-side encryption enabled, Gmail guarantees that Google servers will not be able to disclose any information that is sent directly in the text part of the letter and in the form of attachments to it. Data encryption is carried out in the user's browser even before the transfer or storage of information on a disk in the cloud. Therefore, Google servers will not be able to get the user's encryption keys and reveal forbidden data.
Google explained that as an additional security measure, in addition to the default encryption provided by Google Workspace, it will be possible to use your own private encryption keys. This will take the security of your own information or your company's data to a higher level.
The end-to-end encrypted beta version of the Gmail service is already available today for those users of Google Workspace cloud programs who are subscribed to one of 3 tariff plans: Education Standard, Education Plus or Enterprise Plus. Now they have the opportunity to participate in testing innovations. To do this, they need to apply before January 20 of the next year.