Gmail Monitor

Posted on July 9, 2008

Gmail has introduced a new privacy feature that will let users see the number of computers where their account is currently open. It also allows them to sign-out remotely. Basic information is displayed as part of the page’s standard footer, and users looking for more detailed information can view a log that displays the most recent IP addresses to access the account, along with the type of access.

The new feature will be especially useful for monitoring email accounts for privacy intrusions, as well as for users who like to use Gmail from public locations or terminals and who may forget to manually log-off. Google says the feature is being rolled out as part of the latest version of Gmail.

The new Gmail features are the latest in a string of privacy-related announcements to come from the big G. This follows on the heels of Viacom requesting and receiving court approval for access to Google’s search logs and records. Since then, Google seems intent on demonstrating its concern for privacy, having moved its privacy policy to its homepage and releasing the enhanced Gmail security.