Google expands client-side encryption in Gmail for Android and iOS devices

Google has expanded client-side encryption in Gmail to Android and iOS devices, enabling users to read and write encrypted messages directly from their mobile devices. This update allows users to manage sensitive data while complying with regulatory requirements.

Previously, encrypted messages required users to download multiple apps or use external portals. Now, Gmail's mobile apps natively support encrypted mail. Google Workspace already provides data encryption at rest and in transit. However, the new client-side encryption offers users exclusive control over encryption keys and data access.

The update makes sensitive data in email bodies and attachments unreadable to Google servers. Admins can enable client-side encryption for Android and iOS clients through the CSE admin interface in the Admin Console. Users can add client-side encryption to their messages by selecting the lock icon and adding extra encryption while composing messages and attachments. The feature is available to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus, Education Plus, and Education Standard customers. As a side note on the topic of Gmail, we recently learned that Google is going to deprecate the Basic HTML View of the email client in January 2024.