Gmail joins the trend of blue check verification systems, marking an important milestone in identifying legitimate senders and combating phishing and identity theft in emails. This feature, which initially revolutionized authenticity and trust on social media, now strengthens protection and credibility in the inboxes of millions of users, offering a much safer experience for both businesses and individuals.
What does the blue check mark mean in Gmail?
La blue check verification in Gmail appears next to the sender's name and address in emails. Visually indicates that the sender has been validated by Google as a trustworthy entity, minimizing the possibility of receiving fraudulent emails or phishing attempts. This icon, which we already recognize on social networks such as Facebook, Instagram or X, is now essential to confirm the authenticity and legitimacy of business accounts and brands who send electronic communications.
When you receive a message from a verified sender, if you hover over the blue check, you will see a message informing you that "The sender of this email has been verified."This helps users and security systems distinguish between genuine communications and phishing attempts.
Why is Google opting for verification in Gmail?
The decision Implement blue check verification in Gmail responds to the need to combat the growing number of cyberattacks and email scams, known as phishing. This type of fraud is one of the main threats in today's digital world, where criminals impersonate recognized companies or institutions to deceive users and obtain sensitive information or commit monetary fraud.
With this system, Google increases the confidence of recipients by identifying legitimate messages and contributes to create a more secure email ecosystem for everyone. In addition, it strengthens the digital reputation of brands and companies that adopt these authentication and identity protection standards.
How does blue check account verification work in Gmail?
The system Gmail verification is based on the international standard "Brand Indicators for Message Identification" (BIMI), a protocol that allows companies to display their brand logo next to the sender in emails. To implement BIMI and receive the blue check mark, companies must comply with very strict technical and safety requirements:
- DMARC authentication active and with policy applied: Companies must have DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) configured on the domain from which they send emails. This system prevents spoofing and protects the domain's identity.
- BIMI Configuration: BIMI records must be installed on the domain, which act as a visual "digital signature" allowing the officially validated corporate logo to be displayed.
- Verified Brand Certificate (VMC)It is essential that the company obtain a VMC certificate issued by a recognized certification authority, such as DigiCert or Entrust. The VMC validates that the logo is owned by the registered trademark and complies with international intellectual property standards.
Only the legitimate entities with registered trademarks can request this certificate, ensuring that the verification applies exclusively to authentic companies and cannot be easily spoofed by malicious actors.
Step-by-step process to obtain the Gmail blue check mark
- DMARC ImplementationThe first step is to set up a DMARC policy on the company's domain. The policy should be set to "quarantine" or "reject" mode, ensuring that fraudulent or suspicious emails are blocked before reaching users.
- Configure BIMI recordsOnce DMARC is enabled, BIMI records must be created on the domain. This involves hosting the brand logo in Tiny PS SVG format on a secure server and adding the corresponding BIMI record to the DNS.
- Obtain the VMC Certificate: The brand must apply through an official certification body and demonstrate ownership and registration of the logo. The process includes verification of the company's registration information and legal identity.
- Validation and review by Google: After completing the steps above, Google reviews the data and, if everything is correct, activates the blue check mark next to the sender.
Obtaining the blue check mark has no direct cost on Google's part., but it can be a annual amount for the management of the VMC certificateAccording to some sources, the approximate price is around 1.200 euros per year depending on the provider, although these costs can vary.
Who can get the blue check mark in Gmail? Is it available for individual users?
Initially, Blue check verification in Gmail is available only for business accounts, organizations, and entities that send communications under a corporate domain.. Individual users cannot currently apply for this badge.
However, Google has expressed its intention to progressively expand this function. to personal accounts and all Workspace models. The rollout is gradual, and while it's already visible on the web version of Gmail, it's also beginning to be implemented in mobile versions for Android and iOS devices, making it easier to detect legitimate emails from any platform.
Advantages of the blue verification in Gmail for senders and recipients
- Trust and credibility: Recipients more easily identify authentic and legitimate emails.
- Reducing spam and phishingThe blue check mark helps filter out malicious messages and stop phishing campaigns that are so devastating to businesses and users.
- Brand differentiationCompanies that implement the system stand out from the competition and project an image of seriousness and customer protection.
- Improves user experience: Communication is more transparent and secure from the first glance in your inbox.
In addition, this certification has a positive impact on the online reputation of companies, as it ensures that only authentic senders can display their logo next to the name, minimizing the possibility of impersonation or fraud.
Technical aspects: DMARC, BIMI and VMC explained in detail
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) It is an email authentication standard that helps prevent phishing and unauthorized domain use. Its implementation helps detect spoofing attempts and protect users from fraudulent messages.
BIMI It's the protocol that allows the brand's logo to be displayed in verified messages. It requires DMARC and ensures that the logo truly belongs to the sender.
VMC (Verified Mark Certificate) It's the digital certificate that confirms the brand's ownership of the displayed logo, ensuring that only legitimate companies can access the blue check mark. This certificate is issued by authorities such as DigiCert or Entrust, following a rigorous legal and trademark verification process.
Economic and implementation considerations for companies
For companies interested in obtaining the blue check, it is important to keep in mind that While Google does not charge directly for verification, the cost of a VMC certificate can be significant. Fees, depending on the provider and the review process, can range from a few hundred to over a thousand euros per year. Additionally, DMARC management and proper BIMI configuration will require the involvement of technical personnel or the services of email security experts.
Some solutions, such as PowerDMARC and similar services, offer comprehensive advice and streamline the entire process to make obtaining Blue Check easier. These companies are responsible for verifying compliance, managing certificates, and keeping authentication systems up to date.
How to identify and take advantage of the blue check mark in your inbox?
The presence of blue check next to the sender's name It greatly facilitates the task of identifying genuine messages. Recipients can do the following to make the most of this feature:
- Always check for the presence of the blue check mark in emails that appear to be from official entities, banks, or large companies before interacting with links or attachments.
- Be wary of important messages that don't show verification, especially if they request confidential information or urgent actions.
- Verify that the logo matches the actual brand and that the message meets the company's usual communication standards.
Is the blue verification code in Gmail valid for all countries?
Blue verification is linked to the existence of a registered trademark and obtaining a VMC certificate, which involves an international validation process. Only companies with legally protected logos, usually in certain jurisdictions, can access verification, although Google's rollout of the feature is global and can be seen in any account that receives an email from a verified sender.
What does the “Verified by Google” badge have to do with Gmail’s blue check mark?
Although they are different elements, both systems share the objective of protect users and offer transparency and trustThe "Verified by Google" badge appears, for example, on service providers and local businesses that have passed licensing and background checks. In the case of Gmail, the blue check mark emphasizes the authenticity of brands' and companies' email communications.
How does the blue check mark help with reputation and brand protection?
Official verification is key to online reputation and digital customer experienceThe blue check mark identifies companies and organizations that meet strict security, authentication, and transparency standards, allowing recipients to fully trust their interactions and avoiding the risk of attacks, fraud, or loss of personal data.
Possible limitations and future developments
Despite the extensive benefits, Not all companies can currently access the blue checkOnly those that meet the legal and technical requirements can apply for it, leaving out many SMEs or businesses without a registered trademark. Furthermore, the cost of certificates can be a barrier for small organizations. Google is constantly working on new ways to make security more accessible, and this functionality is expected to be expanded and simplified in the future.
The introduction of Blue check verification in Gmail represents a major advance in protection against phishing and in building reliable digital communication. Companies, users and email systems benefit This innovation helps clearly differentiate between authentic messages and phishing attempts. If you're a business, investing in blue verification strengthens your brand image and protects your customers. If you're a user, knowing and using this system will allow you to enjoy a more secure inbox and a much more peaceful and trustworthy digital experience. Have you already seen the blue verification in your emails? Tell us about your experience or share how it's helped you identify trustworthy messages.
