Google hops on the blue checkmark trend

Google is introducing a new feature on Gmail where a blue checkmark will appear next to the name of verified senders. The aim of this feature is to assist users in distinguishing whether an email is legitimate or a scam. The checkmark is an extension of Gmail's Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI), which verifies that the brand logo being used in the email actually belongs to the company. Companies that have already implemented BIMI will automatically be granted the checkmark. Google emphasizes that email authentication aids in preventing spam and allows senders to build brand trust. Various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tinder, Pinterest, and YouTube, have already implemented some version of the verification badge or icon. Meta has also begun experimenting with the sale of Facebook and Instagram verification.