Ever wondered if the email from your bank or favourite brand was legit or a clever phishing trap? Gmail now makes this simpler with a subtle yet powerful tool: official logos. Using a new authentication method called BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification), companies can display their own verified logos right beside their emails, making genuine messages easier to spot.

How Gmail’s BIMI verification works

With BIMI, brands replace the standard anonymous avatar that Gmail displays by default with their recognisable logo. But there’s a catch: to use this feature, companies must adopt the DMARC protocol (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance), which protects domain owners from impersonation and email fraud.

Additionally, logos need to be officially verified by trusted authorities like Entrust Datacard or DigiCert. Once validated, the company receives a Verified Mark Certificate (VMC), officially linking the logo with their domain and proving authenticity.

A clearer inbox, fewer scams

Google’s rollout of BIMI support could dramatically shrink phishing attempts by visually distinguishing genuine company emails from suspicious fakes. Partners like Bank of America have already begun using this feature, clearly displaying their logo in Gmail inboxes. This minor tweak makes it quicker for users to identify trusted emails, meaning less time spent second-guessing messages and more confidence in clicking safely.

Adoption set to accelerate

Major email services like MailChimp, SendGrid, Valimail, Fastmail, Proofpoint, and Verizon Media already support BIMI, but Google’s entry into the scene means widespread adoption is likely. With Gmail’s enormous user base, more businesses will now see the value in joining, making life harder for scammers and safer for the rest of us.

Next time you spot a familiar logo in your Gmail inbox, you can breathe easier—Google’s newest trick means your favourite brands now stand out clearly from phishing traps.