How to Read PEC Emails on Gmail: A Step-by-Step Guide

PEC, which stands for Posta Elettronica Certificata (Certified Email), is a special type of email used in Italy for legally binding communications. Unlike standard email, PEC provides proof of sending and receiving, similar to a registered letter. While you might typically access PEC through dedicated platforms, you can often configure your Gmail account to receive and read these important messages. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Understanding PEC and its Limitations with Gmail

Before we dive in, it’s crucial to understand that Gmail cannot directly process PEC certificates. You won’t be able to verify the legal validity of a PEC message directly within Gmail. What you can do is set up your PEC provider to forward messages to your Gmail account, allowing you to read the content. However, you will need to access the full PEC certificate through your PEC provider’s webmail portal for legal purposes.

Setting up PEC Forwarding to Gmail

Here’s how to configure PEC forwarding to your Gmail account:

Step 1: Access your PEC Provider’s Webmail Portal

First, log in to your PEC provider’s webmail interface. This is where you usually manage your PEC account. The specific steps might vary slightly depending on your provider (e.g., Aruba, Legalmail, Infocert, etc.), but the general principle remains the same.

Step 2: Locate the Forwarding/Redirect Options

Once logged in, look for settings related to forwarding or redirection. Common labels include:

• “Forwarding”
• “Redirect”
• “Automatic Forwarding”
• “Email Rules”

Step 3: Configure Forwarding to your Gmail Address

Within the forwarding settings, you’ll need to enter your Gmail address. Make sure you type it correctly. Here are some critical considerations:

• Keep a copy: Most PEC providers will let you keep a copy of the message in your PEC inbox while also forwarding it. It’s highly recommended you enable this option. This allows you to maintain your PEC archive and access the original certificates when necessary.
• Filter rules (if available): If your PEC provider supports filters, you might create a rule specifically to forward only the type of PEC email you want to go to Gmail. This could help organize emails better.

Step 4: Save Changes and Confirm

Save your forwarding settings. Some providers will require confirmation of the forwarding address via email or through a specific confirmation process. Follow their instructions carefully.

Step 5: Test the Forwarding

Send a test PEC message to your PEC address. After a few minutes (or immediately), check your Gmail inbox. If everything is configured correctly, you should receive a copy of the message in your inbox. This may appear to be sent from your PEC address but in fact the original sender is usually displayed in the message’s header.

Reading PEC Messages in Gmail

Once the forwarding is set up, reading PEC messages in Gmail is simple. However, remember that what you see is a forwarded copy. You will see the email body and attachments.

Important note: Remember that you cannot verify the legal certification of the email from your Gmail account. To access the original certificates and the evidence related to the send and receive actions you must access your PEC provider’s webmail portal. The forwarded email only gives a view of the message content

Limitations of Using Gmail for PEC

As discussed earlier, there are crucial limitations to using Gmail for PEC:

• No Legal Validity Verification: Gmail can’t verify the digital signatures and timestamps that make PEC legally binding. The verification is done through your PEC provider’s webmail and certificate systems.
• Forwarding Issues: Sometimes, attachments or specific formatting of the PEC email might be altered or lost during the forwarding process to Gmail.
• Potential Security Risks: If your Gmail account is compromised, the forwarded copies of your PEC messages could also be at risk. Therefore use good security practices.

Conclusion

While Gmail can’t replace your PEC provider’s platform for legal purposes, forwarding your PEC messages to Gmail can offer a convenient way to read them in your regular inbox. Just be sure to always use your PEC portal when verification of delivery is required. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently manage both your regular and legally binding communications. Remember to keep your PEC account and certificates secure, as they are the ultimate proof of communication in legal scenarios.