Google says it will block .js file attachments in Gmail starting Feb. 13

Google announced on its G Suite Updates blog today that Gmail will soon be adding another file type to its restriction list. Currently, Gmail restricts file types such as .exe, .msc, and .bat. Starting February 13th, however, another file type will be joining that group: .js.

.js files are commonly associated with running client side JavaScript code on a webpage, so the average user will most likely go unaffected by this change. Nevertheless, Google is offering a few workarounds for this restriction come February 13th.

The company explains that, if you need to send a .js file for legitimate reasons, you can use Google Drive, Google Could Storage, or any other cloud storage platform to do so.

Google cites security concerns as its reasoning for blocking .js files. The company says that when you attempt to attach the file type once the restriction is in place, you’ll be presented with a warning explaining the reasoning.

Gmail currently restricts certain file attachments (e.g. .exe, .msc, and .bat) for security reasons, and starting on February 13, 2017, we will not allow .js file attachments as well. Similar to other restricted file attachments, you will not be able to attach a .js file and an in-product warning will appear, explaining the reason why.

More details are available on Google’s G Suite Updates blog.