To celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Google has announced new security features for Google Photos, Google Fi, and more. The updates include the announcement of Google Photos’ Locked Folder feature coming to iOS in early 2022. Apple’s native Photos Library does not offer users the option to protect their sensitive photos with a password, but third-party apps do like Snapchat which has a ‘My Eye Only‘ folder to protect private snaps.
Earlier this year, the app introduced new video editor and editing features on iOS which allows users to crop, change perspective, add filters, and more to their videos and it also offers editing tools like portrait blur, portrait light, and color pop for Google One members. Previously, the app UI was revamped with a new view map, memories feature, and the ability to sync their liked photos on the app with Apple Photos Library.
Soon iOS users will be able to protect their sensitive photos and videos with a password on the Google Photos app
Like Pixel users, iPhone owners will also be able to lock their sensitive photos and videos on Google Photos. On Pixel devices, users can directly save their photos and videos to their Locked Folder right from the camera app. Most likely iOS users will be able to do the same. The announcement reads:
Back in May, our Photos team introduced Locked Folder on Pixel – a passcode-protected space where you can save photos and videos separately, so they won’t show up as you scroll through Google Photos or any other apps on your device. We’re excited to share that this feature is coming to Google Photos on Android soon, and to iOS early next year.
The new security features also include a new Security Hub on Pixel, support for end-to-end encrypted calls on Google Fi, expansion of Google One VPN to new countries, safe browsing in Android messages and chat, and Chrome HTTPS-First Mode.