Gmail is one of the most popular product of Google and favorite email service of millions around the world. Many Schools and Governments officially use Gmail and Google Apps to great effect as it is very economical. Washington, D.C., also uses Google’s applications and services, including Gmail. But University of California finds this email system isn’t secure or private enough to meet their standards.
Three Member committee (comprising of CIO Peter Siegel, Academic Senate IT chair Niels Jensen and Campus Council IT chair Joe Kiskis) preceding over this decision quotes that Google services failed to maintain the privacy of the correspondence carried out. The Gmail’s social element Google Buzz is mainly responsible for it.
According to the School officials “Outsourcing e-mail may not be in compliance with the University of California Electronic Communications Policy.” It is quite interesting that after using Gmail for months, now they are recalling what their Policies are.
Similar Decision was taken by University of Yale about a month ago. Yale authorities were also worried about security issues, technological risks and the way Google manages data in the cloud.
Every one is concerned about privacy and security over internet and emails, and a small baseless rumor can cause devastation. Such decisions coming from Prestigious Universities may prove to be a serious threat to Gmail and Google’s Reputation.
When Google keeps on updating its services and adds new features to make them more user friendly, Management or Developers should take some firm steps to make Gmail more safe and secure. If they think their system is flawless, then an explanation or justification is need of hour.
source : Mashable
