Google Adds Blue Checkmark Verification to Gmail

pcmag.com:

Twitter isn't the only online service using blue checkmarks anymore, as Google adopted a similar verification icon this week for use by brands in Gmail.

Back in 2021, Google introduced a Brand Indicators for Message Idenitification (BIMI)(Opens in a new window) feature. In return for adopting strong authentication, Gmail would display the validated logo for a brand in the avatar slot of each email they send. Now Google is "building upon that feature(Opens in a new window)" by also displaying a blue checkmark icon next to the brand's name on emails.

Google believes that the new feature will help users identify spam and email security systems to stop it. In order for companies to gain a blue checkmark on their outgoing emails, they need to jump through a few hoops. First they need to setup BIMI for their account, then adopt Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC)(Opens in a new window), and finally they need to gain a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC)(Opens in a new window) issued by a Certification Authority.

For Gmail users, there's nothing to do other than look for those blue checkmarks appearing on any emails you get from brands. Hovering your mouse over the checkmark will trigger a pop-up to appear confirming the sender has verified they own both the domain and the logo in the profile image.

It seems likely most brands will jump through the hoops to get the blue checkmark so as to ensure the highest level of trust possible is maintained with customers. Of course, that doesn't stop those same brands using AI to write the emails.

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