Gmail will allow you to hide your real email address behind a fictitious one – this will help fight spam

Google’s Gmail mail service filters a large number of spam messages received by users from various sources every day. It seems that the service plans to strengthen the fight against spam, for which users will be able to hide the real address of their mailbox behind a fictitious name.

Image source: Solen Feyissa / unsplash.com

According to the source, the new version of Google Play Services 24.45.33 contains many references to the “Shielded Email” feature. These links allow you to draw certain conclusions as to what exactly the new feature is. Apparently, the user will be able to use a fictitious name to disguise the address of his mailbox. It can be used one time or a limited number of times, and messages received at a fictitious address will be forwarded to the main mailbox.

Image source: androidauthority.com

It is noted that Google is most likely creating this feature for use when registering in applications that require you to provide an email address. The ability to hide the actual mailbox address will be useful not only for spam protection purposes, but also for increasing confidentiality. For example, this approach will reduce the degree of tracking of the user’s online activity and reduce the risk of potential information leaks.

The ability to hide your email address when registering in applications and services looks very attractive. However, at the moment it is difficult to say how exactly this feature will work and when it might become generally available.