Google is reportedly developing a ‘fake’ email feature to help you avoid spam

It seems Google is about to launch an email feature for users, similar to one Apple already provides via iCloud.

According to a new report from Android Authority, a new feature called Shielded Email has suddenly appeared in the Google Autofill settings menu. 

Tapping on the option currently just forwards users to an empty Google account page. However, looking into the latest Google Play Services 24.45.33 update code unveils exactly what Shielded Email will do if Google decides to officially launch it.

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What is Shielded Email?

Shielded Email will provide Google users with a service similar to Apple iCloud’s Hide My Email.

Basically, the feature allows users to automatically create a randomly generated email alias when they need to sign up for an email list or website. With so many online platforms requiring email addresses nowadays, users have become inundated with spam and other privacy concerns. A feature like Shielded Email lets users sign up for online services, receive and reply to emails — all without revealing their main email address.

The email aliases are also helpful in tracking exactly which signup led to a user’s email address being sold to third-parties and spammers.

Apple’s Hide My Email requires a paid subscription to iCloud+. It’s unclear whether Google’s Shielded Email will require a paid subscription when it eventually rolls out.