It’s been a year since Google rolled out the blue verification checkmarks for its popular email service, Gmail. Now, the tech giant is enhancing this safety feature by expanding its availability to Gmail apps on Android and iOS devices.
For those unfamiliar, the blue checkmark is crucial for helping users confirm that the email they received is from a legitimate source, not a scammer attempting to deceive unsuspecting individuals online. This verification mark appears on the right side of the sender’s name within an email.
This functionality is part of a broader Gmail feature known as BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). BIMI not only allows senders with a registered trademark to validate their brand logo through a third-party verification process, but it also enables the logo to be displayed as a Gmail avatar.
Google highlighted the update in a blog post stating:
Currently, Gmail on the web showcases a verified checkmark for senders who have implemented BIMI with a registered trademark (VMC). Over the upcoming weeks, users will also begin to see these verified checkmark icons while using the Gmail app on Android and iOS (please note that Apple Mail or other email applications are not supported). This update pertains specifically to VMCs only.
For senders lacking a registered trademark who still wish to establish their legitimacy with recipients, Gmail is now introducing a new type of BIMI certificate called the Common Mark Certificate (CMC). This certificate permits a broader range of senders to utilize BIMI features, even if they do not possess the registered trademark necessary for a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC).
While senders can showcase their brand avatars in Gmail using a CMC, it’s important to note that these will not include the blue checkmark as seen with VMCs. The rollout of the blue checkmark for Android and iOS devices is currently underway, and it will take approximately two weeks for all users to gain access. This feature will be available to all Google Workspace customers as well as those with personal Google accounts.
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