Block email tracking

The eternal quest for email privacy!

Email tracking, also known as email monitoring or email surveillance, is a technique used by senders to track the delivery, reading, and engagement of their emails. This can be done through various methods, including:

  1. Pixel tracking: Tiny images (pixels) are embedded in the email, which load when the recipient opens the email. This allows the sender to track when the email was opened.
  2. Link tracking: Links in the email are replaced with tracking URLs, which redirect the recipient to a server when clicked. This allows the sender to track which links were clicked and when.
  3. JavaScript tracking: JavaScript code is used to track the recipient's behavior, such as scrolling, clicking, or hovering over specific elements in the email.

To block email tracking, you can use various techniques and tools. Here are some methods:

Browser extensions:

  1. Ghostery: A popular browser extension that blocks tracking pixels and scripts.
  2. uBlock Origin: A content blocker that can block tracking scripts and pixels.
  3. NoTrack: A browser extension that blocks tracking pixels and scripts.

Email clients:

  1. Gmail: You can use Gmail's built-in feature to block images from loading, which can help prevent tracking. Go to Settings > General > Disable image loading.
  2. Outlook: You can use Outlook's built-in feature to block images from loading. Go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Block images from loading.
  3. ProtonMail: A privacy-focused email service that blocks tracking pixels and scripts by default.

Email clients with built-in tracking protection:

  1. ProtonMail: As mentioned earlier, ProtonMail blocks tracking pixels and scripts by default.
  2. Tutanota: A privacy-focused email service that blocks tracking pixels and scripts.
  3. Mailfence: A secure email service that blocks tracking pixels and scripts.

Other methods:

  1. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help mask your IP address and prevent tracking.
  2. Use a private email provider: Consider using a private email provider that prioritizes privacy and security, such as ProtonMail or Tutanota.
  3. Use a tracking blocker: There are various tracking blockers available, such as TrackBlock or TrackerBlock, that can block tracking pixels and scripts.

Remember that while these methods can help block email tracking, they may not be 100% effective. Email tracking is a constantly evolving field, and senders may use new techniques to track your email activity.