Summary: The Internet giant tries to convey to users that many emails are not secure once it leaves Google's hands.<\/p>\n
Google routinely publishes reports to establish transparency into how often responds to data requests from law enforcement agencies, but its latest update pertains more to industry competitors. <\/p>\n
The Internet giant issued a memo on Tuesday -- a reminder to some and maybe a heads-up to others -- that while Google might promise to keep emails encrypted within its bounds, it can't say the same when messages float beyond its digital grasp. <\/p>\n
In fact, Google estimated that between 40 and 50 percent of emails sent between Gmail and other email providers arent encrypted at all. <\/p>\n
Brandon Long, the tech lead for the Gmail Delivery Team, offered a real world comparison in a blog post on Tuesday to nail home the point for Internet users of all proficiency levels: <\/p>\n
When you mail a letter to your friend, you hope shell be the only person who reads it. But a lot could happen to that letter on its way from you to her, and prying eyes might try to take a look. Thats why we send important messages in sealed envelopes, rather than on postcards. <\/p>\n
Email works in a similar way. Emails that are encrypted as theyre routed from sender to receiver are like sealed envelopes, and less vulnerable to snoopingwhether by bad actors or through government surveillancethan postcards. <\/p>\n
While acknowledging other email providers to encrypt their emails too (albeit without naming names), Long noted a few public service announcements intended to nudge others to do the same. <\/p>\n
That starts with a new section in Google's Transparency Report dedicated to promoting safer email infrastructures. <\/p>\n
Google also has a few other security-minded announcements this week, including End-to-End, a new Chrome extension powered by OpenPGP, an open standard touted to be supported by existing encryption tools. <\/p>\n
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