• Source:JND
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GOOGLE'S Gmail service is a widely used work and personal communication service. To ensure it remains a safe space for users, Google regularly revamps the platform for security. In the latest move, the tech giant announced that users will now see a "checkmark icon" from emails sent by an account that is a part of Brand Indicators for Message Identification. For the unversed, BIMI was introduced by Google in 2021.

If a brand uses a brand logo as its avatar in Gmail, BIMI requires an account to undergo strong authentication. Once brands receive a heads-up from BIMI, a new checkmark will be visible next to their profile photo in emails sent to other Gmail accounts. It will help ensure it is from a legitimate source.

Also Read: Gmail Confidential Mode: How To Send Passcode-Protected Mails | Explained

Citing why it matters, Google said, "Strong email authentication helps users and email security systems identify and stop spam, and also enables senders to leverage their brand trust." It will help increase trust in the email sender and "create a better email ecosystem" for users.

Roll out timeline

Admins and end users will see the change, Google Workspace Updates said. The checkmark is rolling out via Rapid and Scheduled Release domains.

Gmail checkmark icon availability

The feature will be available to Workspace, legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers. Further, personal Google accounts can also register for verification.

How to get verified?

To get a verified checkmark next to your brand profile photo, a user can register with BIMI. After completing the brand icon verification, a user can apply for the Verified Mark Certificate (VMC) to get a blue verified tick.

Meanwhile, due to Gmail's mass engagement, it is among the scammers' favourites to mimic genuine companies and give way to fraud and data breaches. With the update, duplicate and phishing accounts are expected to tone down to an extent.

Speaking of Blue Ticks in general, they have been a mark of authenticity for a long time. However, as Twitter announced that Blue subscribers would have a blue tick after paying the subscription fee, it started losing its purpose of identity verification.