Why is Gmail Free?

images.jpg

You don't pay Gmail with money; but you do pay them with complete unfettered access to your personal correspondence.

With the NSA's PRISM program in the news lately the American people are alarmed and outraged about the encroachments on their privacy.

The government mining your data may indeed be unsettling, but did you know private companies mine your data every day? This is done at a far more detailed and intrusive manner than the government's PRISM program.

Google does provide the Gmail service without charging their customers a monthly fee.  However, they are not doing this out of the kindness of their corporate heart. They use every piece of data that you give them to enrich themselves.  Your data from using these services is a multi-billion dollar bonanza.  

Gmail sells targeted ad placement to advertisers based on your private email conversations.   It’s not a coincidence that when you are planning a vacation you suddenly begin seeing advertising for airlines, hotels and car rental. 

It's a Business Transaction.

You give them data and they give you a service. They call it "free" because they have not taken money from you, but your data is far more valuable to them.

If you use their "free" email service you provide Google with the mother-load! Complete access to all of your contacts and correspondence. Their system actively troll through your private messages every minute of every hour of every day.

Lawsuits Have Not Stopped Gmail 

Google  was sued  in 2011 by a Massachusetts AOL customer who sent email to a friend with a Gmail account. The AOL customer claimed her privacy was invaded. Similar lawsuits were filed in Marin County, Calif., in June 2012, British Columbia in October 2012, and Florida  in November 2012. On April 29, two college students filed yet another suit  seeking class action status in San Jose, Calif.

  • Marin County, Calif., ( PDF )
  • British Columbia ( PDF
  • Florida ( PDF )
  • Class Action in San Jose, Calif.( PDF

There are currently six active class action lawsuits against Google, all alleging illegal eavesdropping or interception under federal and state wiretapping laws, related to Google’s scanning of emails.

Microsoft Has Not Stopped Gmail

Microsoft began an anti-Gmail ad campaign in 2013 and gathered over 100,000 signatures (Their self-imposed goal) on an  online petition  asking Google to stop the practice of scanning users email.  However, it's probably naive to think that Gmail will give up it's multibillion dollar advertising business.

Can I get Private Email?

Yes!  Many people today are choosing to go back to a typical transaction where they pay a monthly fee in exchange for email services.  

Look for an established email service that:

  • Is Secure
  • Is Private
  • Requires No Contracts
  • Has Live Phone Technical Support

Private email services do exisit, some like @ecentral.com have been around since the 1990s.

Related Articles

Source: Neighborhood Link
Search All Articles
Related Articles
How To Save On Closing Costs
Homecashsm Many are shocked when they learn how much they owe to close on their mortgage. But there are ways to save before you sign on th
What are the FHA Loan Requirements?
Fha The FHA makes it easy to secure a home loan. The FHA Loan Requirements are described in detail in this article.
Homeowners Insurance
Homeinst Tips on how to shop for homeowners insurance and save money-also avice on flood insurance
Asbestos
Asbestosdanger2_th An information guide on asbestos and asbestos abatement. Also discusses vermiculite and how it relates to asbestos.

More...
Most Popular
The 2010 Census Explained
Populationthumb Census data are used to distribute Congressional seats to states, to make decisions about what community services to provide.
The Value of Home Maintenance
Homemntcsm With proper maintenance your home will not only provide a pleasant and safe living environment but will also help keep small fix
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP)
Haspthumb Two groups of people would benefit directly from the President’s plan.
Airline Rewards Credit Cards - Get the Best Mileage for Your Money
Creditcard120 Spend more, fly more. But is your airline rewards credit card costing you more than the miles it's giving you?

More...

Zip Code Profiler

Neighborhoods, Home Values, Schools, City & State Data, Sex Offender Lists, more.

Instant Home Value!
Create a Mobile Website
View Site in Mobile | Classic
Share by: