Summary

• Email aliases are a useful tool for concealing your real email address, aiding in maintaining online privacy.
• Proton Pass is the service I rely on for generating email aliases.
• The anticipated Shielded Email feature from Google might popularize this practice, which would be advantageous for those who don't use Google.

I seldom provide my genuine email address when registering for new accounts online. Instead, I utilize an alias to mask my email. While many people aren't familiar with this option, that could significantly change as reports suggest Google may soon introduce this capability widely.

What Is an Email Alias?

An email alias serves the specific purpose of concealing your actual email address. Any messages sent to the alias get forwarded to your real email address. When you reply, the sender sees the alias as the origin of the response. They won't discover your true email address.

These aliases can function both as temporary disposable addresses and for long-term account usage. I frequently employ them when trying out a new app for the first time or making online purchases. Utilizing email aliases has been a key factor in my decision to use a smartphone again after using a Light Phone 2 for several years. They also make me more inclined to buy smart home devices that usually require creating another account with dubious security and marketing practices.

First SimpleLogin, Now Proton Pass

My journey with email aliases began through an open-source service known as SimpleLogin. It allowed me to create distinct aliases for each account I needed. At the time, I preferred using open-source software and primarily accessed SimpleLogin via a web browser on my Linux desktop. I manually transferred these aliases into my chosen KeePass-compatible password manager (Secrets on my computer and KeePassDX on mobile devices).

Although I'm typically not keen on acquisitions, the purchase of SimpleLogin by Proton worked out well for me. I was already a dedicated user of Proton Mail and Proton Calendar. After the acquisition, SimpleLogin remains available as a separate product, but all its features have been integrated directly into Proton Pass.

Proton Pass has evolved into my preferred password manager. I can generate aliases, create new passwords, and keep all this information organized in one location. It's become my comprehensive solution for managing accounts.

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Posts 2 I Don't Use Gmail, But I'm Ready for Google's Shielded Email --------------------------------------------------------------

Google wields the influence necessary to bring such features into widespread adoption. That’s why I find leaks about Google developing a feature called Shielded Email intriguing, as detailed over at Android Authority. It seems the functionality will be incorporated into Google's existing Autofill system used for passwords. Here's how Autofill currently functions.

Gmail stands as the largest email provider, capable of introducing this kind of privacy feature to a vast audience that alternatives like Proton Pass cannot match. For millions of Android phone or Chromebook users, this will offer the simplest way to maintain their email privacy.

This doesn't imply everyone will adopt email aliases just because Google makes the feature accessible. iCloud users might not realize they've had this type of privacy since 2019 thanks to Apple's "Hide My Email" feature.

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PostsApple ranks as the second-largest email provider, yet despite Hide My Email being available for over five years, most individuals remain unaware of email aliases. It presents a challenge akin to end-to-end encryption. Years ago, Apple introduced end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups under the name Advanced Data Protection, but it wasn't enabled by default. Most users aren't aware this encryption exists or what benefits it offers.

Adoption Could Help Those of Us Who Don't Use Google

Over a billion individuals use Gmail, far exceeding the number consciously opting for services like Proton Pass. When setting up an Android phone or Chromebook initially, users are prompted to create a Gmail account. Gmail shares similarities with iCloud, which gets promoted to anyone purchasing an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Every time a major company introduces this kind of feature, it increases the likelihood that application developers and website administrators will encounter sign-ups using aliases.

Over the years, I've encountered some challenges using aliases. Certain sites prohibit account creation with an alias, likely as a strategy against spam or various fraud types. If large numbers of non-technical users start signing up using this feature provided by their Google accounts, it encourages apps and websites not to block legitimate alias users while attempting to prevent misuse. Still, there's potential for apps to avoid blocking Google domains while continuing to restrict others. Hopefully, this scenario won't occur.

At the very least, Google users registering with unusual-looking email addresses would help reduce my self-consciousness when providing an email address that admittedly can appear suspicious. "You're using an alias. I understand."

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Email aliases have become essential in my digital routine, much like managing passwords and having a dedicated two-factor authentication app. They offer a straightforward means to preserve some level of anonymity while navigating the internet. Additionally, they serve as a vital defense against the overwhelming tide of spam.

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