Google appears to be preparing a new feature called Shielded Email that will allow users to create email aliases when signing up for online services and better fight spam.
There was a feature reported for the first time Android Authority last week after tearing down the latest version Google Play Services for Android.
The idea is to create unique, disposable email addresses that forward messages to the associated primary account, thereby eliminating the need to provide a valid email address when filling out forms or signing up for new online services.
The idea of email aliases to improve privacy is not new. Back in 2021, Apple introduced a similar function called Hide my email which allows iCloud+ subscribers to generate random email addresses to record. It can also be used to set up new ones in Safari, Mail, and Apple Pay wherever email addresses are required.
Other providers love Bitwarden and DuckDuckGo have since also released a similar feature. It should be noted that Google roll out earlier the ability for users to create virtual card numbers for online or in-app payments, but it currently limited to eligible cards in the US only.
Development happens like Google released a new program called Android System Key Verifier is similar to Apple iMessage Key contact checkprovides additional security by allowing users to verify that they are really talking to the right people using encryption keys and QR codes.
“The Android Key Verifier system service allows developers to store end-to-end encryption keys and allows users to verify that their apps are using the correct keys when communicating,” Google. notes in the Play Store description.
