Move away from Gmail

You'd be pretty naive to not think profiling won't happen outside of Google. I know that's not what you're saying, but going based on the fact you'd move mail services to get away from any profiling is my point.

Depends on the company. To use fastmail as an example again, they say they don't do that, so legally they can't. That's what a privacy policy is, it's a legal document.

Not all companies are as 'evil' as google. :p

Based on your 5k OCUK posts, i'm sure someone could get a grasp of the type of products you buy, the tv shows you watch, the food you eat, the car you drive and your general views on politics.

Big difference, my posts are all in the public domain. My emails are subject to data protection laws.
 
You're accusing Fastmail of illegal activity? Breaking their privacy policy? On what grounds?

What I am saying is that just because a company says it works by certain rules it doesn't mean that's always true. ;) Companies break the law, they break their word, because it's run by humans and it's there to make money.

Also a quick google says that privacy policies aren't legally binding http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/iplj/vol27/iss1/5/ although some state they are inside the policy.

Doesn't make profiling acceptable. If anything it's alarming that so many people give up their data so willingly.

You've got to be aware that websites you visit probably use Google Analytics, the use of cookies, your phone tracking where you are, unfortunately, it's part of modern life. That doesn't mean that it's always acceptable or desired but it's going to happen whether you want it to or not. The only way no to be profiled online is to stay offline.

I thought of an analogy earlier - would you get a free mobile SIM if the company recorded, saved, and listened to all your phone calls in order to profile you? Same idea really.

Are you saying they already don't or can't listen in? NSA has been analysing communications for decades, and I would imagine GCHQ and other intelligence agencies already do. The companies that run services will have the ability to intercept as well.

True, the best you can do is pick a company with a good reputation. Fastmail have been going since 99. I trust them.

That's the best you can do but I wouldn't trust anyone 100%, from the largest to the smallest companies, there's always a risk. Even if it's not them spying there is also the issue of security and someone else getting your data.
 
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What I am saying is that just because a company says it works by certain rules it doesn't mean that's always true. ;) Companies break the law, they break their word, because it's run by humans and it's there to make money.

Also a quick google says that privacy policies aren't legally binding http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/iplj/vol27/iss1/5/ although some state they are inside the policy.

True, but that's a straw man argument, I never said that google alternatives are more trustworthy. What I have said is at least they aren't definitely using one's data in ways that benefit the company at the expense of the individual, as google does.

That's an American site, I can't work out if privacy policies are binding here.

You've got to be aware that websites you visit probably use Google Analytics, the use of cookies, your phone tracking where you are, unfortunately, it's part of modern life. That doesn't mean that it's always acceptable or desired but it's going to happen whether you want it to or not. The only way no to be profiled online is to stay offline.

Again, straw man. If there's something one disagrees with (e.g. surveillance) it's better to reduce one's exposure to it than just put up with the status quo, no? E.g. if I don't want to be tracked I should reduce my tracking exposure, not accept it.

(Indeed I do make efforts against all those things you mentioned. Google Analytics blocked by uBlock Origin, regular deletion of cookies (and cookies off on the phone), phone location always off unless using sat nav, google location history switched off... It doesn't have to be a part of modern life.)

Are you saying they already don't or can't listen in? NSA has been analysing communications for decades, and I would imagine GCHQ and other intelligence agencies already do. The companies that run services will have the ability to intercept as well.

No, just an illustration. I think people think of emails as being less sensitive than other personal data for some reason.

Also I think you're mistaken, don't/didn't the NSA and GCHQ record metadata, not actual calls? Maybe the new law changes this.

That's the best you can do but I wouldn't trust anyone 100%, from the largest to the smallest companies, there's always a risk. Even if it's not them spying there is also the issue of security and someone else getting your data.

True enough, but again it's always better to use more trustworthy companies than less. With google you're certain to be the product.
 
Right I've been trying to find the best way to move my gmail to Fast Mail. Gave in just after 3 days of using the 30 day trial.

But I have 10k emails in Gmail I've been slowly going through these. Been trying to find the important ones!
 
Right I've been trying to find the best way to move my gmail to Fast Mail. Gave in just after 3 days of using the 30 day trial.

But I have 10k emails in Gmail I've been slowly going through these. Been trying to find the important ones!

Here are the instructions for importing:

https://www.fastmail.com/help/receive/migratemail.html?u=c61b4144

I have about four times that in my gmail and decided not to import them. Fancied a clean break.
 
mp4

Here are the instructions for importing:

https://www.fastmail.com/help/receive/migratemail.html?u=c61b4144

I have about four times that in my gmail and decided not to import them. Fancied a clean break.

Going through it slowly and making filters which I've never used before thanks to YouTube :) for Gmail

Getting software codes and whatnot and adding them to secure notes in Enpass.

Hoping that once ive done the filters that once I import to Fast Mail that it takes it with it
 
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Will you use fastmail with a different email reader via IMAP on a PC say ?
if so using thunderbird or other, after having exported all your emails from gmail as big mbox file can add a local mail folder using an import technique like this and then use that folder as archive and source for further composition.

.... also does not seems to havee been mentioned so far -
but are there email services that help tag/identify viruses etc inside emails/attachments; a backup mechanism for when common sense might fail
 
It's an interesting discussion. GMail clearly have a vested interest in targeting ads at you, that is after all how they operate, and Microsoft have become very "collect all of the data" on their users recently as well, which is a real shame.
 
Is it just the policies under the free Gmail that you don't like? If so you could try G Suite and have all the benefits of a Google account without the ad scanning. More information on their privacy policy here. For alternatives I like Runbox and ProtonMail.
 
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Whoa, it's been an interesting read, it's Google policy and adverts. Still time remaining on fast mail but as above im very impressed. I have however been using filters in gmail and ha e cleared 7k worth of email so its been easier
 
so in what ways is the fast mail interface proving superior to gmail (both PC and mobile ?)

As stated, googles use of this data could be reduced(eliminated?) by use of anti-tracking/anti-add mechanisms in the browser (I also adopt that)

I did see that attaching another mail tool to gmail via IMAP does have some issues and also that fast net (#1) has storage in the usa so legally accessible by NSA say



(EDIT #1 meant Fast mail not its terminatoresque, fast net, sibling)

EDIT #2 : with Microsoft outlook mail - I think you can opt out of tracking mechanisms, so might have been an alternative ?
 
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fast net (#1) has storage in the usa so legally accessible by NSA say

I don't want to sound too much like a fastmail rep - there are several other services that are as good or better - but this isn't true. Fastmail have servers in NY but as an Australian company they only respond to warrants signed by an Australian judge. Their data located in the US are encrypted and fastmail would be unlikely to have to hand it over.

https://www.fastmail.com/about/privacy.html

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/07/australias-fastmail-secure-email-nsa

Note that it's a bit academic really as email metadata (to, from, date) are public and un-encryptable by design, see second link.
 
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Thanks for the additional email on fastmail - as the new rep ;) ... if they only have a limited number of servers can you practically make searches of your folder on their server as opposed to having local IMAP duplicates ?
(One of my gripes with gmail is that is slow for searching and sometimes not responding)
 
Is it just the policies under the free Gmail that you don't like? If so you could try G Suite and have all the benefits of a Google account without the ad scanning. More information on their privacy policy here. For alternatives I like Runbox and ProtonMail.


Another vote for protonmail; swiss law is very restrictive
 
I use GMX for my email. No issues with them, works on comp, phone, ipad etc. Allows folders, is IMAP. Best thing was I was able to get [email protected] which was never able to do with gmail, hotmail etc
 
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