Big Tech is tracking your emails
I have three different work email addresses — and a Gmail address I set up when it launched in 2004. I could never score the handle again today, but after 20 years, that inbox is a mess.
It’s become my disposable email address for coupon codes, free signups and newsletters — pretty much, the nonessential things in my digital life.
For my personal email, I don’t want Big Tech tracking me. That’s why I wanted to tell you about an email solution to take back privacy that you’ll love, love, love.
If it’s free, you’re the product
Let’s look at what you hand out when you use that “free” email address from your internet service provider, whether it’s Google, Yahoo, AOL or some other Big Tech company. Remember, all of these are tracked and sold off to the highest bidder:
- Phrases and particular words that appear most in your emails. Think for a moment about some topics in your email right now. These companies make more money off you when they have more data.
- Your location and where your recipients are located, too. Again, it’s just more data points for them to sell!
- Every single person you correspond with — business contacts, friends, family, doctors. Also, how often you exchange emails and what you talk about. Nothing is sacred when it comes to making money.
- The specific time you’re most likely to open your emails, no matter if they’re spam or legit. That’s why the time you get a particular email may change.
- Your website habits get pulled in, too. That includes your shopping, research, dating and even porn-watching habits. Yup, it’s all for sale and tied to your name and IP address.
Simply put, all the data in your email is gathered, tracked, recorded and sold. But hey, it’s free! Don’t like it? Do something about it.
My pick for privacy-first email
Back in the day, none of us blinked at handing out our email address to any form, site, company, salesperson or app that asked. Now that we know better, we can take that knowledge into a fresh inbox.
Don’t just make another Big Tech email account. That’s no solution.
My pick is StartMail. Plans include 20GB of storage (that’s a lot!) and unlimited aliases. You can encrypt your emails, and there aren’t any ads or tracking to deal with. Love that.
If you want to say goodbye to your old inbox altogether, StartMail has an easy-to-use migration tool that brings over your mail and contacts. Score. Or, if you prefer, consider it a new inbox for your VIPs only.
My rule of thumb: Only give your fresh email address to someone you truly want to hear from. For me, this means real people and my very favorite newsletters. Ahem, I hope that’s this one for you!
Keep your personal email to yourself
I negotiated a special deal on StartMail just for you. You won’t find a lower price anywhere else. I made sure! Right now, use my link to get 50% off a year. By the way, if you buy, I don’t get any kickbacks or residuals.
Tags: apps, company, contacts, email, family, Gmail, Google, inbox, internet, love, matter, money, newsletters, privacy, research, shopping, tech, tracking
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