Google Workspace Updates

Set client-side encryption as the default mode for new emails, events, and files

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

What’s changingAdmins can now set client-side encryption (CSE) to be on by default for:

Newly created Gmail messages, Google Calendar events.

Newly created Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files.

Newly uploaded Google Drive files.

Admins can set client-side encryption as default on for users in Organizational Units (OUs) that regularly handle sensitive data requiring additional encryption. This allows organizations the flexibility to meet their compliance and regulatory requirements and reduce the burden on change management programs. Users are prompted to create a CSE object natively in each app meaning their emails, events and files are encrypted by default with customer-managed keys and are private from Google. For organizations with strict regulatory or sovereignty needs, this can help them close compliance gaps by defaulting users to the preferred mode for handling sensitive data. Drive:

Gmail:

This is available on the web initially, with support coming for mobile apps in the future. Who’s impactedAdmins and end users
Why it mattersThis feature is important for Google Workspace admins as it improves users compliance behavior without sacrificing productivity and increases control for admins implementing data control policies. It also includes improved audit logs, providing more detail for admins compiling regulatory compliance reports.

Workspace already uses the latest cryptographic standards to encrypt data by default, at rest and in transit between our facilities. Client-side encryption goes beyond this, giving organizations authoritative control and privacy as the sole owner of private encryption keys and the identity provider of the encryption keys. It gives organizations higher confidence that any third party, including Google and foreign governments, cannot access their confidential data. Users can continue to collaborate across their preferred apps in Workspace while IT and compliance teams can ensure that sensitive data stays compliant with regulations.
Getting started

Admins: This feature will be OFF by default and can be configured at the group or OU level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about client-side encryption.

End users: Use our Help Center to learn more about working with encrypted files in Drive, Docs, Sheets & Slides.

Rollout pace

Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 5, 2023

Availability

Google Workspace Assured Controls is available as an add-on to Google Workspace Enterprise Plus customers only. For more information, contact your Google account representative.

Resources

Admins in Google Vault can now export hyperlinked Google Drive content from Gmail messages

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

What’s changing Starting December 8, 2023, admins can export Drive files hyperlinked in Gmail messages directly in Google Vault. When admins select “export linked Drive files”, Vault will look for Drive hyperlinks in the body of the emails being exported from Gmail. If Drive hyperlinks are found, a separate export of Drive files will also be created.

Toggle “Export linked Drive files” on or off

In the “Exports” tab, Drive exports will be grouped with their corresponding Gmail export — you can select the arrow icon to open the collapsible menu.

Admins will be able to find their exported hyperlinked Drive content nested under the corresponding Gmail export in the “Export” tab. Vault admins can find the association between the Gmail export and Drive link export in the export file names and metadata.

Who’s impacted Admins

Why it matters Vault is critical for retaining, holding, searching, and exporting users’ Google Workspace data. This update reduces the need for admins to manually find and extract Drive files hyperlinked in Gmail messages.
Getting started

Admins: Visit the Help Center to learn more about supported services and data types in Vault.

Rollout pace Vault user interface updates

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on December 4, 2023

API updates

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout (potentially longer than 15 days for feature visibility) starting December 4, 2023

Availability

Available to Google Workspace Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Standard, Education Plus customers or customers with the Vault add-on license

Resources

Google Vault Help: Supported services and data types

Introducing a redesigned search results page in Google Chat

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

What’s changingBuilding upon the recently announced improved search results in Google Chat, we’re also upgrading the search results page to help you find the right message, file, or space in Chat.
Specifically, Chat will now highlight matching keywords in search results and show clear demarcation between results for easier browsing. The highlighted keywords could be an exact match to your search query or terms that are related to your search query.

Introducing a redesigned search results page in Google Chat

Who’s impacted End users

Why it matters This update improves content discoverability by making it easier for you to browse and locate search results quickly in Chat.

Additional details Search results are based on the exact query, as well as any additional queries that might have been triggered (secondary query, synonyms, spell corrections, etc).

Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: Visit the Help Center to learn more about searching for Google Chat messages.

Rollout pace

This feature is available now for all users on web and mobile

Availability

Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts

Resources

Solve math equations easily with Smart Compose

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

What’s changingFor years, users have written content and replied to comments faster and more easily using Smart Compose in Google Docs, Slides, Sheets and Drawings. Today, we’re excited to announce a new feature that extends the power of Smart Compose to help you solve simple math equations.
Upon typing a math equation that ends with “=” into your document, presentation, spreadsheet comments, or drawing, solutions will appear as grey text suggestions. This new seamless mathematical experience will increase productivity and accuracy when solving math equations across Workspace. $Solve math equations easily with Smart Compose$
Getting started

Admins: There is no admin control for this feature.
End users: This feature will be ON by default and can be disabled by opening a file, clicking Tools > Preferences > deselect “Show Smart Compose suggestions”. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Smart Compose and Smart Reply.