Topic: Many unaware of email keyword scanning

[Clive]

Over two thirds of surfers don't realise many free email providers scan messages for keywords in a bid to place more user-targeted adverts. 

The Attitudes to Email study carried out by email provider GMX found that not only were the majority of people unaware that the practice took place but that one in four said it would affect their next choice of provider.

Only nine per cent were aware of ad-scanning and had considered this when choosing a provider.

Once aware of the issue, over half of Britons (56 per cent) believe that users should be able to opt out of such scanning and 16 per cent were actually anxious at the thought of it.

All email providers automatically scan incoming email traffic in order to identify risks to the user such as spam emails and viruses. However a select few use these scans for ad placements as well.

Managing director of GMX, Eva Heil said: "British consumers should bear in mind that there is a choice of free email services on the market that don't do this. If they are uncomfortable with the practice either for their own or their children's email, they should change provider."

[Rik]

I did, long ago.

[Simon]

Oddly enough, GMX are another free email provider, and they are actually quite good.

[Rodders]

What's wrong with a provider's systems scanning your email for ad targeting?  Under normal circumstances there's no human intervention.  I might feel a bit uneasy if I had terrorist leanings, but that sort of user wouldn't broadcast secret plans anyway.  Let them build a profile of me.  I really don't care!

If it's a 'free' service that's paid for by ads, I'd say they have every right to maximise the potential of those ads in order to pay for the service.

[Simon]

That's certainly one way of looking at it.  I think we're all a bit sensitive as far as personal data goes, but would you want a machine opening your postal mail and slipping targetted flyers inside?  Is email any less personal than a letter? 

[sam]

yeah but you are paying for that service... you aren't paying for the service with things like gmail. I don't have a problem with it as long as the data isn't then sold to external companies.

[Rodders]

That's certainly one way of looking at it.  I think we're all a bit sensitive as far as personal data goes, but would you want a machine opening your postal mail and slipping targetted flyers inside?  Is email any less personal than a letter?   

I would have to say that letters and e-mail are far from analogous in that regard.  Opening a posted item would be considered tampering with it.  Whereas displaying ads on the same page as a message amounts to nothing worse than an annoying distraction.

I use a mixture of free and paid-for services, which are utilised according to the purpose of the particular message I'm sending and the degree of privacy I expect from that service.  Ultimately, you get what you pay for - and I don't expect miracles from any of my free services.

[Rodders]

yeah but you are paying for that service... you aren't paying for the service with things like gmail. I don't have a problem with it as long as the data isn't then sold to external companies.

Exactly, Sam.

[Delgado]

What's wrong with a provider's systems scanning your email for ad targeting?  Under normal circumstances there's no human intervention.  I might feel a bit uneasy if I had terrorist leanings, but that sort of user wouldn't broadcast secret plans anyway.  Let them build a profile of me.  I really don't care!

If it's a 'free' service that's paid for by ads, I'd say they have every right to maximise the potential of those ads in order to pay for the service.

I agree 100%  There are far too many people in this World expecting something for nothing.