To combat sophisticated phishing attempts, Gmail has launched blue verification badges for businesses, now available on both Android and iOS platforms.
These badges, displayed next to a verified sender's name, enable users to easily identify legitimate companies and differentiate them from potential scammers. This initiative is part of Google's broader commitment to enhancing email security and improving the detection of phishing attempts.
Account verification has become increasingly common across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Meta's Facebook and Instagram, all utilizing blue checkmarks to confirm user reliability. This trend follows a surge in identity theft and misinformation.
Initially introduced on the web version in May 2023, Gmail's blue badges assist users in recognizing phishing attempts, such as fraudulent emails from internet service providers or health insurance companies. The feature is now rolling out on mobile apps, extending its protective reach against scams.
When an email is received from a verified account, the sender's logo replaces the typical avatar, confirming the email's authenticity. Users can hover over the badge to see a message stating, 'this email sender is verified,' providing a quick visual cue to distinguish legitimate communications from fraudulent ones.
To obtain verification, businesses must participate in Gmail's Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI) program, which has been operational since 2021. Companies already enrolled in BIMI automatically receive the blue badge, available to both Google Workspace subscribers and individual Gmail users.
As phishing tactics continue to evolve, these badges represent one of many measures taken by Google and other tech firms to safeguard users, ensuring that Gmail users can more easily identify phishing attempts at a glance.