Observed Signal · May 4, 2023 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Google's Gmail Blue Verification Badge
Google has begun rolling out a blue verification badge for Gmail senders that implement Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI). The blue badge appears next to verified sender accounts in Gmail's inbox, helping users distinguish authentic messages from spoofed ones. BIMI functions as a verifiable sender identity, and Google also recommends enabling DMARC to reduce messages being marked as spam. To qualify for the badge, senders must have their logo validated under BIMI. The rollout started on May 3 and is expected to take up to three days, with availability for private users, Google Workspace users, and legacy G Suite Basic- and Business-customers. This feature signals a push toward stronger sender authentication in email and could influence brand trust and advertiser confidence in email communications.
Technical Release by Google introducing BIMI-based blue verification badge in Gmail; potential impact on email security and brand verification.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google rolled out a blue verification badge in Gmail for BIMI-verified senders.
- Blue badge is shown for corporate Gmail profiles implementing Brand Indicators for Message Identification (BIMI).
- Rollout began on May 3 and is expected to complete within three days.
- To obtain the blue check, the sender's logo must be BIMI-validated and DMARC is advised to prevent spam labeling.
- Availability includes private users, Google Workspace users, and legacy G Suite Basic- and Business-users.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Red Sift Launches BIMI Maker for Email Logos
Red Sift has launched BIMI Maker, a free AI-powered self-service tool that enables brands to get their logos displayed in email inboxes via BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). The tool guides users through preparing logos, checking email authentication, and applying for Verified Mark Certificates (VMC) or Common Mark Certificates (CMC). It aims to remove barriers like trademark and design requirements that have prevented adoption. Currently, about 50,000 domains publish BIMI records, but only 6,500 have certificates for logo display. Red Sift claims BIMI can increase email open rates by 39%.
Boost Email Trust: Sectigo Launches Verified Mark Certificates
Sectigo announced the availability of Verified Mark Certificates (VMCs) and Common Mark Certificates (CMCs) for enterprise customers and expanded certificate management via Sectigo Certificate Manager. The certificates enable organizations to display verified brand logos inside supported inboxes (using the BIMI standard) — including Gmail, Apple Mail and Yahoo — turning authenticated emails into visible trust signals. VMCs are positioned for trademarked brands and can qualify for Gmail’s blue checkmark, while CMCs enable logo display for organizations without registered trademarks. Sectigo frames the offering as a way to combat phishing, spoofing and brand impersonation, and to improve email engagement metrics such as open rates and brand recall by making authentication visually apparent to recipients.
Google tests browser email verification to ease signups
Google is testing an Email Verification Protocol (EVP) in Chrome that allows the browser to verify a user controls an email address without sending a one-time password or magic link. Available via Chrome’s Origin Trial, EVP delivers cryptographic proof from the user’s email provider directly to websites, keeping verification inside the browser and falling back to traditional methods when a provider does not support the protocol. Google’s support could accelerate adoption given Chrome’s market share and Google’s position in email. Marketers could see higher sign-up conversion rates and improved first-party data quality. EVP is part of a broader shift toward browser-managed identity alongside passkeys and Federated Credential Management (FedCM).
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