Google sets new rules for third-party apps to access Gmail data

Catalin Cimpanu reports:

Google will roll out stricter rules for third-party apps that want to access users’ Gmail inboxes. The new rules are scheduled to enter into effect next year, January 9, 2019.

This is Google’s response after the company came under criticism in July for letting third-party apps roam free and access users’ Gmail data, including the content of Gmail emails.

Google says that starting next year, only Gmail apps “directly enhancing email functionality–such as email clients, email backup services and productivity services (e.g., CRM and mail merge services)” will be authorized to access inbox data.