Google+ Email Opt-Out: How to Stop Receiving Emails
Google+ Email Bridge: Understanding the New Feature
Recently, Google unveiled a new functionality that integrates Google+ with personal email accounts. This update allows individuals who follow you on Google+ to send you emails directly.
The introduction of this feature has raised concerns for some users. If you are among those who are not enthusiastic about this change, information regarding how to disable it is provided below.
How the Google+ Email Bridge Works
Essentially, the system leverages your Google+ connections to facilitate direct email communication. Followers on the social platform are now granted the ability to reach you via your email address.
This functionality aims to streamline interaction between Google+ users, but it also introduces potential for unwanted contact. Understanding the implications is key to managing your online presence.
Opting Out of the Google+ Email Bridge
If you wish to prevent Google+ followers from emailing you, several steps can be taken to disable this feature. The process involves adjusting your Google+ settings.
Here's a breakdown of how to opt out:
- Navigate to your Google+ settings.
- Locate the section pertaining to "People and profiles."
- Within this section, you should find an option to disable the "Who can send emails via Google+" setting.
- Toggle this setting to the "off" position.
By completing these steps, you effectively prevent individuals following you on Google+ from initiating email correspondence. This provides greater control over your inbox.
It’s important to review these settings periodically, as Google frequently updates its platform and associated features. Maintaining awareness of these changes allows you to proactively manage your privacy.
A New Development in Gmail Functionality
Google has recently implemented a new capability within its widely-used Gmail service. This update broadens the scope of email address auto-completion, moving beyond solely utilizing entries from your established contact list.
The system now incorporates individuals you follow on Google+. Consequently, as you draft an email and begin typing a name or address, the auto-completion suggestions will encompass both your contacts and those within your Google+ circles.
Understanding the Implications
From the perspective of initiating contact with someone you follow on Google+, this feature appears potentially beneficial. However, considering the reverse scenario reveals that, by default, anyone following you on Google+ now has the ability to email you.
Google does present the sender's name from Google+ as a suggestion, but the actual email address isn't immediately displayed. The Google+ system facilitates the email transmission, concealing the recipient’s email until a reply is sent.
Despite this, a communication pathway is established with individuals with whom you haven't explicitly exchanged contact details.
Key Considerations
- The auto-completion feature now includes Google+ connections.
- Anyone following you on Google+ can potentially send you an email.
- The recipient's email address is initially hidden, being managed through the Google+ system.
This change introduces a new dynamic to Gmail's functionality, impacting how users interact and manage their email communications. It's important to be aware of this expanded reach and adjust privacy settings as needed.
Managing or Deactivating the Feature
Thankfully, Google has been relatively transparent regarding this update. However, pre-selecting the least private configuration is a questionable practice. Provided you regularly monitor your email and review announcements from the Gmail team, you should have ample opportunity to disable the functionality before it causes inconvenience.
Access your Gmail account and proceed to Settings – General. Scroll down the page until you locate the "Email via Google+" section. Utilize the dropdown menu to modify the feature's behavior or completely deactivate it:
Available options include leaving it on the default setting of "Anyone on Google+", limiting access to "Extended Circles," allowing emails from individuals within your circles and those followed by you, restricting it to "Circles" – only those you directly follow – or selecting "No One." We chose "No One" for maximum privacy. If you utilize Google+ as a primary social network, populated with personal connections within your Circles, you may prefer to adjust the privacy settings accordingly.
Regardless of your chosen setting, remember to click "Save Changes" at the bottom of the Settings window to implement your selection.