Google Tests 'Shielded Email' to Enhance Gmail Privacy

The new feature may allow users to create email aliases to protect their real addresses from spam and tracking.

Gmail's potential new feature, 'Shielded Email,' could enable users to create aliases that forward to their main account, keeping real addresses private.
The feature is discovered in the Google Play Services APK, suggesting a focus on Android users initially, with no immediate desktop integration.
Similar to Apple's 'Hide My Email,' this tool aims to reduce spam and protect user data by masking real email addresses on untrustworthy sites.
While promising for privacy, it's unclear if 'Shielded Email' will require a subscription, potentially linking to Google One for broader access.
Security experts highlight the ongoing risks of phishing and malware, emphasizing the need for improved email protection, particularly on mobile devices.