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Does gmail have such a big lock-in effect on users since it allows them to use the gmail interface with their own email? (i.e. you can split the service and the

• madsbuch 6y ago
  Yes, gmail is complete lock in (with current legislation). You can not move your `@gmail.com` address to another provider eg. Proton. But there is a case for making legislation forcing email providers to allow moving emails to other providers (how it should be done technically is another question). This is already in effect for telephone numbers many places.
• gpmcadam 6y ago
  I was lucky enough to get in at the ground for the Apps for Business (or whatever name it has now) service when it was free, and I was able to use my own domain for that. As such, migrating these email addresses was easy enough. My older @gmail and @googlemail ones though, not so easy. I've been moving each account I have used with these addresses one-by-one, but you never catch them all and even when you do, some services simply will not let you change your email address. I recall being so excited when Gmail first launched and was one of the first people to get a Beta invite. I regret ever signing up for them now, given the headache it has been to get off it.