Explained: What is Gmail confidential mode and how can it help you secure your emails

Google has a little-known feature that can help you send sensitive information over Gmail. The feature is known as confidential mode and it has to be enabled manually. Gmail confidential mode has been there for some time now but very few users seem to know about it. What it essentially does is it prevents emails from getting forwarded, copied or printed. Also, the receiver can’t download messages or attachments. Having said that, the receiver of the email can take screenshots of the same.

Google claims that confidential mode helps prevent recipients from accidentally sharing messages. But it also warns that recipients can also use malicious software applications to copy or download messages and attachments.