Google just made it really easy for strangers to e-mail you

[Arthur]

As expected, this feature is opt-out too.

 

Source: Google (via The Verge)

 

You no longer need someone's e-mail address to send them an e-mail. At least, that will soon be the case if you want to e-mail another Google+ user. A new Gmail "feature" will let you simply type in anyone's name into Gmail's "to" field and send them an e-mail. Google announced the new Google+ integration on its Gmail blog today, but company representatives have clarified to The Verge that — by default — anyone on its social network will be able to send messages to your Gmail inbox.

 

[...]

 

The new feature — and the guaranteed controversy to follow — is reminiscent of the company's attitude towards its failed Buzz social network. The service was opt-out only and led to backlash and ultimately a class-action lawsuit. Notably, the feature itself would be helpful if it was opt in; it'd provide an easy way to allow those you've added to your circles to contact you even if you haven't yet exchanged email addresses. By making this an opt-out feature, it seems that Google wants to challenge Facebook's dominance in communication: the preeminent social network has effectively made email addresses less important.

 

A Google representative tells The Verge that while the setting itself is rolling out over the next couple of days, the ability to send emails via Google+ will not be enabled until a later date. When the company does turn on the feature it'll send emails to Gmail users letting them know of the change.

 

 

Edited January 10, 2014 by Arthur

[Danp]

I was emailed this from Gmail Team this morning and opt'ed out straightaway.

[sonofsanta]

I saw the email and deleted it automatically as irrelevant (Google+, LOL). Didn't realise it had an auto-opt-in for harassment. Do they ever bloody learn?

 

Cheers for making me look again.

[abillybob]

I quite like Google+ and do use it sometimes! It's not bad a bit like twitter really. Though I'm sure spammers will love this feature. Opted out.

[LosOjos]

Thanks for the heads up - what are they playing at?!

 

Spambots are going to love this.

[hardtailstar]

Facebook and twitter sort of already do this, Its nice to know G+ you can opt out of it.

[X-13]

Spambots are going to love this.

 

and youtube trolls.

 

Even if you try to ignore them... they'll just harass you by email.

[rich_tech]

just turned this to circles myself, google will never learn it seems, its better to offer a feature like this and switch it off than make it the default and have people annoyed their email becomes accessible to everyone.